Swearing-in at the Mali Bar (1980)
After successfully completing his law studies in France, culminating in a Doctorate in Criminal Law, the late Magatte Seye joined the Seye Law Firm in the early 1980's and took over its management a few years later.
A specialist in criminal law, his career was marked by numerous historic trials such as the "Malian Nuremberg," where he defended Moussa Traoré, and the "Condé Case," where he represented the Guinean State. He also defended many prominent personalities from the country and across Africa.
Alongside his litigation practice, he expanded the firm’s scope, particularly in business law, advising major banks established in Mali such as the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) and the Development Bank of Mali (BDM-SA).
He was also a key figure in the legislation on arbitration in Mali and became an international arbitrator himself.
The late Magatte Seye also worked tirelessly for lawyers throughout his career. He was a founding member and President of the Association of Young Lawyers of Mali, AJAM (1983-1985), a member of the Bar Council of Mali (1983-1985), Secretary of the Bar (1987-1990) before becoming President of the Bar for two successive terms (1991-1995).
In this capacity, he accomplished one of the major achievements of his career: the reorganization of the legal profession. Until then, lawyers were appointed by decree, but President Seye drafted and had the National Assembly adopt law n°94-042/AN RM of October 13, 1994, establishing and organizing the legal profession in Mali, truly liberalizing the practice (inviolability of the office, immunity, setting of fees, contributions...).
He also participated in the studies for the drafting of the bill on the press and press offenses, as well as the reform project of the criminal procedure code.
Finally, he was a major player in the drafting of the 1991 Constitution of Mali, particularly emphasizing aspects related to the rights of the defense.
Honors:
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Knight of the National Order of Mali