Major construction projects, phantom projects, up to 161 ministers: The unvarnished assessment of the Abdoulaye Wade era

*Major Construction Projects, Phantom Projects, Up to 161 Ministers: The Unvarnished Review of the Abdoulaye Wade Era* Abdoulaye Wade celebrates his 100th birthday. A historic anniversary for the man who profoundly marked Senegalese political life for over half a century. A central figure in the opposition for 26 years before coming to power in March 2000, the leader of the Senegalese Democratic Party (PDS) remains associated with democratic transitions, major infrastructure projects, but also with incessant cabinet reshuffles and unfinished projects. Twelve years after the end of his regime, his legacy continues to divide Senegalese public opinion. For his supporters, Wade remains a visionary builder who modernized the country. For his detractors, his rule was marked by unstable governance, spectacular announcements, and several projects considered "flops" or stillborn ambitions. *A Presidency Marked by a Record Number of Ministers and Advisors* Under Abdoulaye Wade's regime, governments experienced an instability rarely equaled in Senegal's institutional history. Between 2000 and 2012, several estimates suggest that between 105 and 161 ministers, deputy ministers, and secretaries of state were appointed to the various liberal governments. This exceptional turnover reflects the frequent political readjustments made by the head of state. Indeed, the first government of the political transition, formed in April 2000, had approximately 27 to 28 ministers. But over the years, some governments exceeded 40 members, particularly after the reshuffles of 2009 and 2010. In total, nearly ten major government reshuffles took place under Wade, not counting the numerous partial adjustments. Several ministers regularly changed portfolios, while others served in the government for only a few months. To this group of ministers, which varied with each reshuffle, were added the numerous ministerial advisors, chosen in all circumstances, but especially during audiences or during Wade's travels. With him, "every community, every locality had to feel involved." This is why opponents and several political analysts regularly denounced "chronic governmental instability," believing that the frequent reshuffles slowed the continuity of public policies and reflected internal tensions within the government. Conversely, Wade's supporters defended a method of governance based on political efficiency and constant adaptation to current realities. *Six Prime Ministers in Twelve Years and Reforms to the Prime Minister's Office* During his two terms, Wade worked with six successive Prime Ministers. Following his historic victory on March 19, 2000, against Abdou Diouf, President Wade appointed Moustapha Niasse Prime Minister on April 3, 2000. This first government symbolized the political openness promised by the change of power. However, disagreements quickly emerged, and Niasse left the Prime Minister's office in March 2001. On March 3, 2001, Mame Madior Boye became Senegal's first female Prime Minister. Her government oversaw the regime's first institutional reforms. She left office in November 2002 amidst the tragic sinking of the Joola ferry. On November 4, 2002, Idrissa Seck took over as Prime Minister. At the time considered Wade's political heir apparent, he supervised several major infrastructure projects and preparations for the OIC summit. But his relationship with the president gradually deteriorated until his dismissal on April 21, 2004. On the same day, Macky Sall became Prime Minister. His time as Prime Minister coincided with the acceleration of major public works and road infrastructure projects. After the 2007 legislative elections, Wade decided to abolish the position of Prime Minister as part of an institutional reform. Between 2007 and 2009, Senegal thus functioned without a head of government, with the president concentrating more executive power. The position was finally reinstated on April 30, 2009, with the appointment of Cheikh Hadjibou Soumaré. Finally, on March 22, 2011, Souleymane Ndéné Ndiaye became the last head of government of the liberal regime before Wade's defeat by Macky Sall in 2012. *Ambitious projects that became symbols of controversy* Beyond the cabinet reshuffles, the Wade regime was also marked by a succession of major projects intended to transform Senegal. Major transport infrastructure projects such as the toll highway, the launch of Blaise Diagne International Airport (AIBD), several modern roads, and large public facilities have profoundly transformed Senegal's infrastructure landscape. But