Ousmane sonko honors abdoulaye wade on his 100th birthday

As Senegal prepares to celebrate a historic milestone, Ousmane Sonko, President of the National Assembly, paid a heartfelt tribute to former President Abdoulaye Wade on his 100th birthday. The occasion, marked on May 29, 2026, coincides with Tabaski, which Sonko acknowledged limited public commemorations but emphasized the personal significance of the moment.

In a message shared on social media platform X, Sonko described Wade’s century of life as “a century of meaningful existence,” underscoring the profound impact the elder statesman has had on Senegal’s political landscape. “Millions of Senegalese honor him today in the quiet of their hearts—through prayers and heartfelt thoughts. Perhaps that is the most genuine tribute of all,” he reflected.

wade’s legacy in Senegal’s democratic journey

Sonko took the opportunity to highlight Wade’s pivotal role in shaping Senegal’s democracy. He recalled the veteran leader’s decades-long political career, which began with his election to the National Assembly in 1978 and culminated in the landmark democratic transition of March 2000. “Abdoulaye Wade stands as one of the most illustrious architects of Senegalese democracy,” Sonko declared.

a bond of trust and magnanimity

Beyond political achievements, Sonko reflected on the personal connection he shared with Wade. He recounted two pivotal moments in 2017 and 2019 when the former president demonstrated unwavering confidence in him. “President Wade bestowed upon me a rare gift—the gift of trust. Not the transfer of power, but the transmission of belief,” Sonko shared, emphasizing Wade’s magnanimity as a defining trait of his leadership.

Affectionately referring to Wade as his “grandfather,” Sonko concluded his tribute with a prayer for the former president’s well-being. “May Allah safeguard him eternally. And may Senegal, as he envisioned, continue to advance toward modernity while upholding its core values,” he added.