By John Ikani
President Macky Sall of Senegal put an end to months of uncertainty on Monday as he announced that he would not be seeking a third term in next year’s election.
The decision clears the path for open and democratic elections in Senegal, a country that has long been regarded as a stronghold of democracy in a region plagued by instability.
In a televised address, President Sall stated, “My dear fellow citizens, after careful consideration, I have decided not to be a candidate in the election on February 25, 2024.”
He emphasized that Senegal is bigger than any individual and that the country is blessed with capable leaders who can contribute to its development.
President Sall acknowledged the social-economic challenges and uncertainties facing Senegal and expressed his commitment to prioritizing the progress of the nation.
His decision comes at a critical time when the country is grappling with various issues.
Prior to President Sall’s announcement, Ousmane Sonko, his staunchest critic, had called on the public to rally against him. The tensions between Sonko’s supporters and the security forces led to deadly clashes, resulting in the loss of at least 16 lives.
The unrest tarnished Senegal’s reputation as a stable country in a region often plagued by coups and civil conflicts.
President Sall, 61, was initially elected in 2012 for a seven-year term and then re-elected in 2019 for a five-year term following a constitutional revision.
Although the constitution limits presidents to serving two terms, some of Sall’s supporters argued that the clock had been reset to zero due to a revision in 2016.
It is worth noting that President Sall had previously opposed a third term during his predecessor Abdoulaye Wade’s tenure from 2000 to 2012.
He had also promised not to seek re-election, breaking away from the trend of long-standing authoritarian leaders on the African continent.
However, President Sall had not officially designated a political successor, which had contributed to the tensions surrounding his potential bid for another term.
