Abdoulaye Wade: Senegal's former president turns 100

Former Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade, now in his 100s, is a political icon in Senegal, where he is still widely adored, despite his controversial departure from power following an attempt to secure a third term.

This week, Senegal is reliving the saga of its former leader during festivities presided over by Head of State Bassirou Diomaye Faye, including a conference on Thursday and Friday at the Grand Théâtre de Dakar, one of his achievements.

Coming from President Faye, various politicians—including opponents of his regime—as well as anonymous internet users, a widespread tribute has been paid for several days to “Gorgui” (the old man, in the Wolof language), officially born on May 29, 1926, in Saint-Louis (north) and head of Senegal from 2000 to 2012.

“Thousands of Senegalese are celebrating him in their hearts,” declared National Assembly President Ousmane Sonko, praising “one of the most illustrious fathers of Senegalese democracy,” after having strongly criticized him in the past. Mr. Wade has not spoken publicly about recent developments in Senegalese politics, which have seen President Faye formalize his split with the party and dismiss his Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, who has since been elected president of the National Assembly.

A shrewd politician and a gifted orator, Abdoulaye Wade remains, more than 50 years after founding it, the leader of the Senegalese Democratic Party (PDS, liberal), with which he came to power after 26 years in opposition and four failed presidential campaigns.

The son of a merchant and a former schoolteacher, he had a brilliant academic career. After graduating from high school, he received a scholarship to continue his studies in France, where he met his future French wife, Viviane Vert, with whom he would have a son, Karim, and a daughter, Sindiély.

After earning degrees in law, economics, and applied mathematics, he returned to his homeland in 1960, taught law, and then opened a law practice.

While President Léopold Sédar Senghor (1960–1980) ruled without legal opposition, Abdoulaye Wade convinced him in 1974 to allow him to form the PDS. Under the regime of President Abdou Diouf (1981–2000), Wade was arrested, imprisoned several times, and became the “president of the streets.”

After a triumphant election victory in 2000 at the age of 74, following a campaign marked by his slogan “Sopi” (Change), he sparked immense hope for the country’s reconstruction.

But more than 10 years later, at the age of 85, he has turned a deaf ear to calls not to seek another term in 2012, despite his promise to serve only