Africa-Press. French newspapers Le Monde and Le Figaro focused on Africa-related material contained in the “Epstein Files” recently released by the U.S. judiciary. They described what they called a disturbing penetration by the late billionaire Jeffrey Epstein—convicted of sexual offenses and accused of trafficking minors—into key African circles, where he allegedly built a complex network involving presidents, ministers, and influence brokers, leveraging his wealth and international connections to serve economic interests and personal desires.
Both papers agreed that Epstein used “local agents” with direct family ties to heads of state to facilitate his movements. They cited the role of Karim Wade, son of former Senegalese president Abdoulaye Wade, as a central link. Epstein reportedly provided him with $100,000 to support lobbying activities in Washington during a period when Wade was imprisoned.
Le Monde alone reported that Karim Wade’s name appeared 504 times in the documents, and that Epstein described him as “the most important actor in Africa.” Le Figaro said the correspondence showed the two men exchanging investment advice, and even discussing Epstein’s desire to buy a house in Morocco. In one message, Karim Wade allegedly replied: “Don’t forget the harem wing in the house… I’d be happy to take care of that.”
In Côte d’Ivoire, both papers discussed Epstein’s connection to Nina Keita, a niece of President Alassane Ouattara, portrayed as a “godmother” who arranged official meetings and airport security privileges for Epstein, and smoothed the way for deals involving Israeli surveillance systems. The documents also revealed, according to Le Monde, a darker angle tied to Epstein’s sexual demands, including a blunt line in one exchange: “I prefer them to be under 25.”
The files show intensive correspondence beginning in the autumn of 2011. Keita, a former fashion model, reportedly acted as an intermediary, organizing meetings between Epstein and President Ouattara, facilitating his entry into the country with “special privileges” at the airport, and arranging security escort vehicles, according to Le Figaro.
The network allegedly also included the then interior minister, Hamed Bakayoko (who died in 2021), whom Keita described in messages as Epstein’s “Ivorian twin.” The report also referred to an invitation for Epstein to attend a private evening in the minister’s “penthouse,” details that are said to be controversial in Abidjan today, according to Le Figaro.
Le Monde’s investigation said Morocco served as a “safe haven” for Epstein to escape U.S. legal pursuit due to the absence of an extradition treaty between the two countries. In September 2017, he wrote in one message: “My island is destroyed… I need an alternative.”
Through former French culture minister Jack Lang, Epstein allegedly tried to buy a luxury palace in Marrakech via an “offshore” deal valued at €5.4 million, but the purchase did not go through.
Le Monde also reported that Epstein sought to polish his image in Africa through philanthropy, drawing closer to Rwandan President Paul Kagame under the cover of funding scholarships, and that he accompanied former U.S. President Bill Clinton on an Africa trip in 2002. That trip allegedly involved ethical misconduct aboard Epstein’s private jet: an FBI report quoted one passenger as saying he saw Epstein harass one of four young women on the plane before the door closed behind them in his private cabin.
