Popping in from the Dakar group. Sorry to read about your refusal.
Traditional marriages in Africa are informal (i.e. no paperwork) and in many cultures, for a woman to re-marry, her family usually returns everything (dowry) that was paid to them by the 1st husband. The man has to accept the items back voluntarily, otherwise, the woman is still considered married to that man. Until this happens, her "new" husband can not pay dowry again, otherwise it means she is married to two men (bigamy).
Unfortunately, a marriage certificate to a new husband looks fine on paper but if the above is not done, she is still considered married to the 1st man. Perhaps the visa officer knows this? It may explain why he believes your relationship is genuine, but also thinks she's still married(even if traditionally) to her 1st husband.
Given the above, I believe a number of questions need to be addressed in your appeal or new application:
1. if this is how a marriage is dissolved in your culture, was this done and did you explain in detail?
2. Did you provide proof e.g. pictures, letters from respective family members involved in the dissolution, date when it happened, etc?
3. Did you pay dowry? Very important, because it's another proof that she was considered 'single' before you married (if this is your/her culture).
Hope things work out for the best on the 2nd try.
doveheart said:
@ Lamour, when the VO noticed I got all the questions he asked me about my wife(This is a relationship of 4yrs..I should be able to know my wife in and out, right ?.) he said , you know what I think you are a very smart guy and really , I do not have any issue with your relationship because it is obvious, you guys are in a relationship but my concern is your wife didn't include a divorce paper in the application. I told him there is an affidavit and He said that is not acceptable and I told him it was a traditional marriage btw 2 families...It is informal . He turned it to an argument, so i just held my peace and allow him to speak. May God help us out of this situation!.
Your wait is over now. I am very happy for you. 
