In an unexpected turn of events, Senegal’s President, Macky Sall, has dismissed the possibility of contesting in the 2024 presidential elections, thereby putting an end to wide-ranging conjecture about his potential third term.
“My tenure during 2019 was my second and final,” he proclaimed in a televised broadcast on Monday. This declaration comes after recurrent rumours regarding his plans to perpetuate his reign have provoked disturbances on several occasions since 2021, culminating in the death of dozens.
Macky Sall, aged 61, stated, “There has been considerable speculation and discussion surrounding my potential candidacy in this election.” However, his well-thought-out decision was not to participate as a contender in the forthcoming electoral race. This announcement follows opposition threats to launch fresh demonstrations should Sall choose to pursue a third term, a move most constitutional scholars assert would be a breach of the constitution.
Affirming the country’s potential beyond his leadership, he further noted, “Senegal is more than me, and it is teeming with capable leaders for the country’s development.”
Recent public discontent in Senegal was incited by the conviction of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, who was sentenced to two years in prison on charges of ‘corrupting youth’. Sonko, 48, was absolved of rape charges but was found guilty of acting improperly towards an individual under 21.
In response to Sonko’s sentence, thousands of protesters swarmed the streets of various cities, resulting in the tragic death of at least 16 individuals. Sonko denies any wrongdoing, with his advocates arguing the trial was a political manoeuvre designed to disqualify him from the presidential race.
Since assuming office in 2012, Macky Sall made amendments to the constitution in 2016 to impose a two-term presidential limit. However, his supporters have contended he was still eligible for a third term as his first term was served under the previous constitution.
The uncertainty surrounding his potential cling to power has somewhat tarnished Senegal’s image as a predominantly stable democratic nation within the tumultuous West African region.
