COMMENTARY

Peter Burgess

Profile: Abdoulaye Wade Once a symbol of democracy on the African continent, the mood has soured towards Senegalese president.

Wade has been criticised for wanting to remain in power despite a pledge in 2007 to step down in 2012 [EPA] Abdoulaye Wade, Senegal's president, has ruled over the West African nation since 2000.

Nicknamed 'Gorgui' ('Old Man' in the West African language Wolof), Wade has tried to stamp his legacy on Africa, and has been a staunch supporter of the idea of a United States of Africa pushed by fallen Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.

The 85-year-old had competed in four elections over a period of 25 years before winning the presidential elections when he dislodged the Socialist Party from office after 40 years of uninterrupted rule.

His victory was met with hope in the West African state. The manner in which his defeated rival, Abdou Diouf bowed out, graciously accepting Wade's victory, the former French colony was hailed as a model of democracy in Africa.

More than a decade later, however, the mood has soured towards Wade.

His attempt to seek a third term in office on a constitutional technicality comes on the back of growing discontent over corruption, nepotism and financial scandals.

The country's current constitution was adopted in 2001. It reduced terms to five years after the completion of Wade's term at office. In 2008, however, the National Assembly approved a constitutional amdendment that increased his term to seven years.

Criticism

Recognised as a decisive leader who developed the nation's infrastructure, Wade's presidency has also been marred by a series of allegations of fraud, nepotism and limiting the freedom of the press.

In 2010, Wade unveiled a 50-metre bronze African Renaissance statue that cost $20mn. The artwork was poorly received by countrymen facing severe financial trouble.

Many were baffled at Wade's decision to run for a third term, rather leaving with a strong legacy of development and infrastructure-building.

A merchant's son, born on May 29, 1926, Wade studied law in France where he met his wife Viviane. He also holds degrees in economics and applied mathematics.

In 1974, Wade convinced Senegal's father of independence, the poet-cum-president Leopold Sedar Senghor, to let him create an opposition party, the Senegalese Democratic Party.

Under Diouf's rule, Wade became known as the 'president of the street' and was imprisoned several times. He was finally elected in 2000 for a seven-year term and in 2007 for a five-year term.

'Dynastic succession'

Wade says he needs three more years to complete his projects, fueling speculation that he wants to line up a successor.

He has long been accused of trying to position his 44-year-old son Karim Wade to take over from him.

A US diplomatic dispatch published by WikiLeaks in 2010 slammed corruption and warned that Senegal was 'a weakening democracy'.

It alleged that Wade was looking to 'open a path to a dynastic presidential succession'.

In June 2011, the usually peaceful nation was shaken by violent riots in the seaside capital Dakar when Wade tried to change the constitution. He scrapped these plans under pressure at home as well as abroad.

The United States has repeatedly urged Wade to drop his presidential bid, fearing a blow to the country's democracy and further violence.

He wanted to reduce the proportion of votes needed to win a presidential election from more than 50 per cent to 25 per cent and also create an elected post of vice president.

This post was seen as designed for his son, whose appointment as a 'super-minister' in 2009 drew widespread anger.

Wade's son currently oversees the portfolios of energy, international cooperation, regional development, air transport and infrastructure.

Source: Al Jazeera and agencies