Karim Wade, candidate for the February 2024 Presidential election of the “Karim 2024” Coalition, broke his silence during a speech on January 1, 2024, from his place of exile, Qatar. His intervention occurs in an electoral context.

Senego wrote that Karim Wade began by sharing the weight of his exile and the personal consequences of his forced departure from Senegal. He expressed: “I address you with great humility. More than 7 years ago, I was forced to leave my native land, Senegal, which I love to the depths of my heart. This forced exile, after an arbitrary trial followed by 3 long years in prison, prohibited me from going to pray at the graves of my loved ones. This brutal separation from our land and our traditions also deprived me of precious moments, such as the quest for wisdom from my late marabout Cheikh Sidy Mokhtar Mbacké and our revered Caliph General of the Mourides, Serigne Mountakha Mbacké. These painful moments will remain forever engraved in me.”

Karim Wade promised “transparent and equitable management of our oil and gas resources”. He also spoke about his social project by indicating what he intends to offer, among other subjects, to young people attracted by illegal emigration so that they stay in the country and contribute to its development. Paying tribute to women, the “bedrock of our economy” and promising “policies that value and recognize their contribution” by creating an environment where women and young people can become “the engines of change and innovation for Senegal”. This requires, in his eyes, substantial investments in education, professional training, entrepreneurship, health and also artistic and cultural initiatives.