On the occasion of President Abdoulaye Wade's 100th birthday, Sidy Thiémokho Touré, Vice-President of Liberal International and envoy of Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara, delivered a moving and heartfelt tribute. His speech went beyond simply celebrating an anniversary, recalling the pivotal role played by the former Senegalese head of state in the continent's democratic history and during Côte d'Ivoire's most challenging times.

"One hundred years. Yes, one hundred years," he began, describing Abdoulaye Wade as a privileged witness to the major stages of African history.

According to him, the former Senegalese president experienced colonization, witnessed independence movements, participated in the establishment of democracy, and observed the continent's evolution with the wisdom of age. "He is not only a living memory of Senegal; he is a living memory of contemporary Africa," he stated.

For Sidy Touré, Wade's career is that of a man forged by convictions and resilience. He recalled his involvement as a lawyer in the Mamadou Dia case in 1962, the creation of the Senegalese Democratic Party (PDS) in 1974, and his twenty-six years of struggle in the opposition before the historic change of power in 2000.

The speaker also emphasized the political and economic legacy left by the former president, whom he presented as one of the main promoters of political liberalism in West Africa and an actor in the structural transformation of Senegal.

But beyond Senegal, Sidy Touré primarily wanted to highlight the pan-African dimension of Wade's actions. "While serving Senegal with passion, he never stopped thinking about Africa," he emphasized, evoking his vision of an integrated continent, ambitious and confident in its own capabilities.

According to him, great statesmen are distinguished by an influence that transcends the borders of their country. Abdoulaye Wade belongs to this category of leaders whose actions have left a lasting mark on Africa.

Furthermore, he discussed the special relationship between Abdoulaye Wade and Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara. According to Sidy Touré, this relationship is based on respect, trust, and a political loyalty forged over the years. This close relationship was notably demonstrated by Wade's support for the integration of the Rally of Republicans (RDR) into the Liberal International, but especially during the 2010 Ivorian post-election crisis.

The Ivorian envoy recalled that during those tense and uncertain times, Abdoulaye Wade had taken a stand in favor of a peaceful resolution to the crisis and had never hesitated to defend the Ivorian cause with its international partners. "Côte d'Ivoire will not forget what you did for it during those dark times," he declared.

In a particularly moving passage, Sidy Touré spoke of what he considers a moral debt owed by the Ivorian people to the former Senegalese president. "For November 2010, for your palace wide open when so many others prudently closed their doors, for your voice carried in Brussels, London, Berlin and all the capitals of our liberal family, there is only one word to say today: thank you," he declared.

Addressing the audience, he offered wishes of health, serenity, and longevity to the man he considers a builder, a democrat, and a Pan-Africanist. "I wish you the profound inner peace of those who have done their work well. I wish you the joy of a man who can look back without regret, but also forward without fear," he declared.