Abdoulaye Wade is a prominent Senegalese politician who served as the President of Senegal from 2000 to 2012. Born on May 29, 1926, in Kébémer, a town in northern Senegal, Wade was educated in France, where he studied law and economics. After completing his studies, he returned to Senegal and began his political career.

Wade's early political involvement began with his role in the Senegalese Democratic Party (PDS), which he helped to found in 1974. He quickly rose through the ranks of the party and became a leading opposition figure against the then-president, Léopold Sédar Senghor, and his successor, Abdou Diouf. Wade's political platform was focused on liberal economic reforms, democratic governance, and anti-corruption measures.

In the 2000 presidential election, Wade defeated the incumbent President Abdou Diouf, marking a significant shift in Senegalese politics. Wade's presidency was characterized by his efforts to modernize the economy and infrastructure of Senegal. His administration undertook several large-scale projects, including the construction of new highways, bridges, and a new international airport. Wade also implemented various social programs aimed at improving healthcare and education.

However, Wade's presidency was not without controversy. His administration faced criticism for alleged corruption and mismanagement of public funds. Additionally, Wade's attempt to amend the constitution to extend his tenure beyond the two-term limit was met with widespread opposition and led to significant protests. His efforts to influence the judiciary and centralize power were also points of contention.

Despite these challenges, Wade's presidency left a lasting impact on Senegal's political landscape. After serving two terms, Wade was defeated in the 2012 presidential election by Macky Sall, a former ally. Following his presidency, Wade remained active in Senegalese politics and continued to influence public discourse.

REFERENCE:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abdoulaye_Wade