Cablegate: Senegal: Wade to Visit Us with Massive Entourage

VZCZCXRO4062
RR RUEHMA RUEHPA
DE RUEHDK #0855 2051109
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 231109Z JUL 08
FM AMEMBASSY DAKAR
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0856
INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE

UNCLAS DAKAR 000855

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

DEPT FOR AF/W

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL SG
SUBJECT: SENEGAL: WADE TO VISIT US WITH MASSIVE ENTOURAGE

Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade is planning to leave for the
United States on July 23 with a massive entourage in tow. On July
25, Wade will address how his country confronts climate change at
the UNITY: Journalists of Color Convention in Chicago, Illinois.
Wade will discuss Senegal's geographic position and the impact of
climate changes on the African continent. President Wade, who has
been criticized domestically for what many consider to be excessive
foreign travel and its high cost, will be accompanied by 35
government officials and more than 40 "artists." Wade is expected
to arrive in Washington, DC on July 26. His official program in
Washington is TBD.
SMITH

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