Senegal: The New French Prime Minister’s Signature Indicates Karim Wade’s Loss of French Citizenship

Newly revealed documents indicate that the presidential candidate for PDS (Parti Démocratique Sénégalais) has officially renounced his dual citizenship in anticipation of the upcoming Senegalese presidential election. This development comes to light as the Senegalese constitutional council undertakes the final review of complaints concerning the list of 21 candidates slated for the presidential election on February 25.

Amidst the suspense generated by the examination of complaints, Karim Wade seems to have secured a last-minute decree affirming his abandonment of dual nationality. The issue had caused a 48-hour period of uncertainty following a complaint filed by Thierno Alassane Sall, another candidate in the election. Sall, who represents the République des Valeurs/Réewum Ngor party, had alleged that, based on various sources, Karim Wade retained French nationality. This insinuation was grounded in Wade’s birth in France to a French mother and a Senegalese father, suggesting that he had not properly renounced his French citizenship.

With the release of documents supporting his renunciation of dual citizenship, Karim Wade’s eligibility for the presidential race appears to be clarified. The Senegalese public now awaits the constitutional council’s resolution of the final complaints, as the political landscape prepares for the crucial election on February 25.