On the occasion of Me Abdoulaye Wade’s 100th birthday, Ousmane Sonko, President of Senegal’s National Assembly, took to X to pay tribute to a man he describes as a towering figure in the nation’s political history. The landmark centenary, marked on May 29, 2026, coincided with Tabaski, a moment that limited public celebrations but did not diminish the outpouring of respect and admiration.
“One hundred years of meaningful life,” Sonko began, capturing the essence of Wade’s legacy in a single phrase. He acknowledged the absence of a grand national event due to the religious holiday but emphasized that the most genuine homage comes from the hearts of millions of Senegalese. “Millions quietly celebrate him today, through prayers and affectionate thoughts,” Sonko wrote, underscoring the profound personal and collective reverence for Wade.
In his message, the Pastef leader retraced the political journey of Wade, highlighting his pivotal role in shaping Senegal’s democratic foundations. Sonko recalled Wade’s early political milestones, including his election to the National Assembly in 1978, and the historic turning point of March 2000, when Wade became the first opposition leader to assume the presidency in a peaceful transfer of power. “Me Abdoulaye Wade is, without question, one of the most illustrious architects of Senegalese democracy,” Sonko declared.
Beyond politics, Sonko reflected on his personal connection with Wade, recounting moments of generosity and trust that left a lasting impression on his own career. He recounted how Wade, in 2017 and again in 2019, extended gestures of confidence that transcended ordinary political relations. “The President placed a rare gift on my path—not the transfer of power, but the even rarer gift of trust,” Sonko shared, emphasizing the depth of Wade’s influence.
Closing his tribute, Sonko addressed Wade with warmth and respect, referring to him fondly as “his grandfather.” “May God grant him eternal protection,” he prayed. His message concluded with a hopeful vision for Senegal: “May our nation continue to advance toward modernity while upholding its core values, as he always believed.”
