After years of political ambiguity that contributed to last month’s fatal opposition rallies, Senegal’s President Macky Sall has announced that, he would not seek a third term in office, putting an end to years of political TENSIONS.
Sall insisted that, Senegal’s constitution would have permitted his run for office, despite having already been chosen for a second term in 2019.
“There has been much speculation and commentary on my eventual candidature on this election. The 2019 term was my second and last term. My decision, carefully considered, is not to run as a candidate in the upcoming election on February 25, 2024, even though the constitution grants me the right.”
Macky Sall, President of Senegal.
Concerns of a Senegalese democratic collapse has probably been addressed by Sall’s declaration. Since 2021, outbreaks of violence that have resulted in hundreds of deaths, have shaken Senegal’s image for tranquility in a restive region, and fueled rumors that the 61-year-old leader will attempt to prolong his time in office.
Sall won a seven-year election in 2012 after defeating then-President Abdoulaye Wade, whose contentious third term bid sparked violent street protests. Wade eventually accepted defeat following a run-off between himself and Sall.
However, following a constitutional amendment that established a two-term presidential limit, Sall was re-elected in 2019 for a five-year term. With the argument that his first term under the previous constitution shouldn’t count, the President’s supporters asked for him to stand for election again.
In recent months, Sall has been vague about seeking reelection and has not named a political replacement.
Some people were concerned that, he might follow other African Presidents, such as those in Togo and the Ivory Coast, who reset their mandates and extended their term of power by using constitutional amendments as a justification.
Sonko Urges The Youth
Sall’s harshest adversary, Ousmane Sonko, urged the populace to “come out en masse” and oppose him on the eve of his nationwide speech. Sall has been portrayed as a corrupt, would-be tyrant by Sonko, who is well-liked by Senegal’s disgruntled young. “It is incumbent on all Senegalese to stand up and face him,” Sonko stated on Sunday.
Sonko will be ineligible to run in 2024 as a result of his conviction. Authorities have disputed Sonko’s claims that, his case was staged to stop him from contesting in the next election. Since May 28, Sonko has been barred from entering his home by officials.
In his remarks on Monday night, Sall urged the administration to take all necessary steps to ensure that, the elections in February would be held in a fair and open manner.
“Senegal is more than me, and it is full of capable leaders for the country’s development,” the incumbent stated, noting that he has to prioritize his country’s progress, “in particular at a time of social-economic difficulties and uncertainties.”
Regional officials, including the Presidents of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum, Guinea-Bissau’s Umaro Sissoco Embalo, and the African Union Commission Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, have commended Sall’s choice, with Bazoum noting that, Sall’s declaration will reduce tensions.
Former Senegalese Prime Minister Aminata Toure also claimed that, the President’s decision to abandon his bid for reelection was caused by the pro-democracy demonstrations.
“Sall was the one who suggested through referendum to have a specific item in the constitution that nobody could run more than two consecutive terms, which is his case. So he is just applying the constitution. It’s not like he’s making a heroic move. He should have said that the minute he got reelected in 2019. This would have saved the country all the turmoil and the trouble we went through. I’d like to congratulate all the democrats and the young people who stood to defend Senegalese democracy. Without that, President Macky Sall would have run. It’s also a lesson for other African countries. People need to stand when democracy is at threat.”
Aminata Toure, Former Prime Minister of Senegal.
