KARIM WADE

Karim Meïssa Wade, born on September 1, 1968, in Paris, is a prominent Senegalese politician renowned for his role in the government of Senegal. He served as Minister of State for International Cooperation, Regional Development, Air Transport, and Infrastructure from May 2009 to April 2012. Karim Wade is the son of Abdoulaye Wade, who held the presidency of Senegal from 2000 to 2012. Before his ministerial tenure, Karim Wade held various significant positions, including President of the National Agency for the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (ANOCI) and advisor to his father.

Karim Wade's early life was marked by academic excellence and international exposure. He attended the French-Senegalese School of Dakar for his primary education and completed his secondary education at the School of Saint Martin of France. He pursued higher education at the University of Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne, where he earned bachelor's and master's degrees in Management Science and Financial Engineering, respectively.

Entering the realm of politics, Karim Wade assumed key roles in his father's government, spearheading major projects aimed at infrastructural development and economic growth. Notably, he played a pivotal role in initiatives such as the New International Airport of Diass and the special integrated economic zone of Dakar.

In June 2004, Karim Wade was appointed President of ANOCI, where he led efforts to prepare and organize the 11th Islamic Summit. Under his leadership, ANOCI undertook ambitious projects focused on modernizing transportation infrastructure and urban development. However, criticisms arose regarding budget management during his tenure at ANOCI.

Karim Wade's political trajectory gained momentum as he contested and won a seat as a municipal councillor in the March 2009 local elections in Dakar. Subsequently, he was appointed Minister of State for International Cooperation, Regional Development, Air Transport, and Infrastructure in the Senegalese government. Despite facing opposition and challenges, his portfolio expanded over time, reflecting his increasing influence in Senegalese politics.

Speculation regarding Karim Wade's potential succession to the presidency intensified, fueled by his father's advanced age and political maneuvers. However, his aspirations were met with resistance and skepticism, particularly regarding the notion of a father-son succession in politics.

Following his father's defeat in the 2012 presidential election, Karim Wade faced legal charges related to corruption. He was sentenced to six years in prison and fined a substantial amount. Amid allegations of political motivation behind his imprisonment, Karim Wade spent three years incarcerated before being pardoned by the newly elected President Macky Sall.

Karim Wade's involvement in the Panama Papers scandal further tarnished his reputation, implicating him in alleged illicit financial activities. Despite the controversies surrounding him, he continued to maintain a presence in the political arena, albeit from exile in Qatar.

In his personal life, Karim Wade experienced tragedy with the loss of his wife, Karine Wade, to cancer in 2009. Despite the tumultuous events and legal battles, Karim Wade's political journey remains a significant chapter in Senegalese history, reflecting the complexities and challenges of governance and succession in the country.

Reference:

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