Senegal is currently experiencing political turmoil as more than 120 political parties have signed a charter calling on the country’s President, Macky Sall, to abide by the constitution and not seek a third term in office. This declaration comes ahead of the presidential elections, which are scheduled to take place in ten months. The coalition, known as the F24 Movement of Vital Forces, has also called for the release of political detainees who were arrested during protests over a defamation case brought against Ousmane Sonko, the opposition leader, by a member of President Sall’s party.
President Sall, who has been in power since 2012, has not yet confirmed whether he will seek re-election, but he has denied allegations that it would be unconstitutional for him to run again. However, his opposition, led by Ousmane Sonko, has accused the government of using the justice system to silence him and prevent him from running in the upcoming elections.
The F24 Movement of Vital Forces is a coalition of political parties in Senegal that have joined forces to call for respect for the country’s constitution and the release of political detainees. The movement is led by opposition parties and aims to prevent President Macky Sall from seeking a third term in office, which they consider unconstitutional and illegitimate. The F24 Movement seeks to raise awareness of political issues and mobilize citizens to participate in the democratic process.
The political tensions in Senegal have been escalating, leading to protests in the capital, Dakar, which brought the city to a standstill. In March, Ousmane Sonko was handed a two-month suspended sentence in a defamation case brought against him by Tourism Minister Mame Mbaye Niang, a member of President Sall’s party. Sonko’s lawyers maintain that the ruling does not disqualify him from running in the 2024 presidential election. An appeal against the ruling was lodged, and Sonko is due to be judged on Monday. Sonko is also facing another case where he is accused of rape, which he denies. His supporters have accused the government of using the justice system to silence him.
The presidential party, on the other hand, has accused Sonko of trying to paralyze the country and incite anger on the streets to avoid justice. The accusations against Sonko and the protests have heightened political tensions in the country, leading to concerns about political instability in the lead-up to the elections.
The F24 Movement of Vital Forces has gained significant support, with over 120 political parties joining the coalition to call for respect for the constitution and the release of political detainees. The coalition’s call for President Sall to refrain from seeking a third term in office has also gained support from the opposition, with Ousmane Sonko and other opposition leaders attending the launch of the F24 Movement.
