Senegal was admitted to UN membership on 28 September 1960 and is a member of ECA and all the nonregional specialized agencies. Senegal belongs to ADB, ECOWAS, G-77, and AU, as well as the Organization for the Development of the Senegal River (founded in 1975) and the Organization for the Development of the Gambia River (founded in 1978), among other groups. Senegal remains in the franc zone, is a signatory to the Law of the Sea, and a member of the WTO.
In accordance with an agreement approved by the legislatures of Senegal and the Gambia in December 1981, the Confederation of Senegambia came into existence on 1 February 1982. It was dissolved in 1989.
President Wade has been actively involved in negotiating peace between rebel groups and the Gbagbo government of Côte d'Ivoire. Senegal has sent troops there as part of an ECOWAS peacekeeping force. Wade also is a founder and active supporter of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD).