The last major point in the political dialogue, Karim Wade’s appeal for judicial review, was won yesterday by his supporters. It remains to be seen whether this review will take place before or after the next presidential election, as it does not appear to be a condition for the participation of the former « minister of heaven and earth » in the forthcoming election, which has already been decided. A victory that also sounds like the acknowledgement of the failure of a story that kept the country on tenterhooks for many months.

The political dialogue will have been fruitful for those of the protagonists who took part. While the question of Khalifa Sall’s eligibility was settled the day before yesterday, the issue of his unfortunate companion, Karim Meïssa Wade, was resolved yesterday thanks to the determination of the representatives of the Senegalese Democratic Party at the dialogue.

The political committee of the national dialogue took note of the decision to review the trial of Abdoulaye Wade’s former super minister, who at the time held 5 ministerial portfolios. His political group did not want to be satisfied with only Karim Wade’s eligibility for the next presidential election, which was achieved by amending articles L28 and L29 of the Electoral Code, which now introduce the notion of a pardon or amnesty, which is granted after convicted persons have served their full sentence.

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The Pds, with the support of the civil society group, has succeeded in ensuring that Karim Wade’s trial for unlawful enrichment is reviewed by the Crei or another competent court. The question will be when this review can take effect, given that there are only 8 months left before the February 2024 presidential election. And Karim Wade is keen to take part in this electoral contest. He is undoubtedly betting that he will be the Head of State overseeing the review of his rehabilitation trial.

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Whatever the outcome of this decision, it is also important to note the mess that has been made of the so-called « search for illicit gains » affair.

The many protagonists, including Aminata Mimi Touré, Abdoul Mbaye, Antoine Félix Diome and Alioune Ndao, should feel embarrassed by this decision. The country has lost millions in the search for proof of the illicit enrichment of Karim Wade and his « accomplices », the most famous of whom is Bibo Bourgi, and rogatory commissions have been sent as far away as the British Virgin Islands, places unknown to ordinary Senegalese… to show us that Karim Wade is alleged to have stashed billions in tax havens. And today, after having convicted a person, deprived a citizen of his rights and exiled a person far from his family, they are promising to wipe the slate clean. Unheard of!

By Mouhamed GUEYE / mgueye@lequotidien.sn

  • Translation by Ndey T. SOSSEH