Senegal's infrastructure minister Karim Wade was reportedly shaking down the American cell phone company Millicom International Cellular, to the tune of $200 million--no small change anywhere and especially Senegal.
But that was according to the Business Insider website (www.businessinsider.com). Titled "The Joy Of Doing Business In Africa: How Senegalese Politicians Tried To Shake Down Millicom For $200 Million," the article seemed to rely largely upon the accounts of Millicom's executives, especialy CEO Mark Beuls, who met with Karim Wade and another time with Thierno Ousmane Sy, advisor to president Abdoulaye Wade, father of Karim Wade.
The Senegalese administration's response, which has some resonance with our Senegalese contacts, is that Senegal's officials were simply grinding for a better deal. The original Millicom license was given in 1998 at a cost of only $100,000. Even at that time, before the allure of the African market, licenses were fetching much more in Africa... The matter is now in arbitration brought by Millcom.
Would the Wades have pocketed some or all of the money? Who know: but $200 million is a lot to hide. If it was intended for the treasury it is a different matter. Government officials have a duty to get the best deal for their people.
The Business Insider story was heavy on the angle of corruption in Africa making business difficult. But if Americans can't dig in and work the deals there, well, somebody else certainly will...
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