21 March 2000
On behalf of the government and people of South Africa, President Thabo Mbeki congratulates Mr Abdulaye Wade on his resounding victory over President Diouf in a transparent and democratic election process. The South African government is convinced that under Mr Wade's leadership, Senegal will prosper and the relations between our two countries will grow further.
President Thabo Mbeki would also like to congratulate the Senegalese people for their outstanding conduct during the election process. Truly the will of the people of that country has spoken. No less impressive was the manner in which President Diouf ran his campaign until conceding defeat. He will be remembered as a statesman not only in his own country but also by the continent as a whole and it is trusted that his abilities in this regard will not be lost.
It ix clear that the history of democracy is firmly established in Senegal and the whole election process could serve as an example for many countries in the world.
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
PRIVATE BAG X152
Pretoria
21 March 2000