WASHINGTON, D.C. — Newly released US Department of Justice documents reveal that the late financier Jeffrey Epstein built close ties with influential figures in Senegal and Ivory Coast, including Karim Wade, son of former Senegalese president Abdoulaye Wade, and Nina Keita, niece of Ivorian president Alassane Ouattara.
The documents detail emails, scheduled meetings, and financial arrangements showing Epstein’s efforts to cultivate influence across Africa. Wade, a powerful political figure in Senegal until 2012, corresponded with Epstein regarding investment opportunities, financial arrangements, and personal support during his imprisonment.
Epstein also used Keita as a regular intermediary, arranging visits and facilitating introductions to the Ivorian presidency and senior government officials. The files reveal that Epstein sought social and business connections through Keita and Wade, though the mere mention of individuals in the documents does not imply wrongdoing.
While some communications involved financial support to Karim Wade during his incarceration, interactions with the political elite focused on investment and networking opportunities, including introductions to international business contacts and lobbying efforts.
