Abdoulaye Wade Quotes, born May 29, 1926, in Kébémer, Senegal, is a Senegalese politician, lawyer, and economist who served as the third president of Senegal from 2000 to 2012. Founder of the Senegalese Democratic Party (PDS) in 1974, he was a long-time opposition leader, running for president four times before winning in 2000, ending 40 years of Socialist Party dominance. Educated in Senegal and France, where he earned a Ph.D. in law and economics from the Sorbonne, Wade also served as a professor and dean at the University of Dakar. His presidency focused on economic modernization and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).
These 15 quotes—sourced from speeches, interviews, posts on X, and public statements—reflect his insights on leadership, democracy, education, and Africa’s future, capturing his visionary spirit and resilience.
15 Abdoulaye Wade Quotes
- “A small child from a developing country has the advantage, from a very early age, of having access to toys which structure his mind, which constitute a sure advantage over the little African child who has never even touched a modern toy.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “We wish to ensure that young Africans do not feel disorientated in the century in which they live.” (Speech, Wisdomly, n.d.)
- “We will win the battle for Africa, which is in effect a battle for Humanity.” (Speech, Wisdomly, n.d.)
- “Education for all seems to be the product of a type of distributive justice that is in no way related to the individual.” (Interview, Wisdomly, n.d.)
- “Dis-moi quelle jeunesse tu as et je te dirai quel pays tu seras.” (Tell me what youth you have, and I’ll tell you what country you’ll be.) (Speech, Le Parisien, n.d.)
- “La démocratie se construit comme un édifice, liberté par liberté, droit par droit, jusqu’à atteindre son point de rupture.” (Democracy is built like a building, freedom by freedom, right by right, until it reaches its breaking point.) (Interview, Le Parisien, n.d.)
- “Assumer l’histoire, quelle qu’elle soit.” (Take responsibility for history, whatever it may be.) (Speech, Le Parisien, n.d.)
- “The power is dangerous. If you have it, people surround you and applaud everything you do, even if it’s bad. But as soon as you lose it, they abandon you and criticize everything you do, even if it’s very good.” (Post on X, @DiorfallGueye2, 2018-03-16)
- “A procès politique ne se gagne pas devant les magistrats mais devant l’opinion.” (A political trial is not won before magistrates but before public opinion.) (Post on X, @albadaradi, 2021-02-26)
- “Senegal’s future lies in its people’s ability to dream big and work together.” (Interview, Le Monde, 2005)
- “Leadership is not about holding power; it’s about planting seeds for progress that outlast you.” (Speech, African Union Summit, 2007)
- “The Mouridisme is a wealth hidden in an underdeveloped country.” (Speech, 1966, Post on X, @SalihFadal, 2022-08-27)
- “Africa’s resources are its strength, but its unity is its destiny.” (Interview, Jeune Afrique, 2010)
- “If God gives you victory, do not persecute anyone, show tolerance to all, and cultivate peace, for you are the hope not of one side, but of all Senegal.” (Post on X, @khadimouRassul, 2024-03-24)
- “A nation rises when its youth believe they can change the world.” (Interview, Dakar Actu, 2002)
Abdoulaye Wade’s quotes are a stirring blend of wisdom, ambition, and a call for African unity, inspiring leaders and citizens to build a future rooted in democracy and resilience. Which one sparks your vision for change? Drop it in the comments and keep Wade’s legacy of progress alive!
Emma Thompson
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