Ending years of speculation and easing anxieties about potential unrest, Senegalese President Macky Sall announced he will not pursue a third term in the upcoming 2024 elections. This decision comes after deadly protests sparked by the conviction of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, who was barred from running for president.
Sall's announcement, broadcast on his official Facebook page, directly addressed the constitutional debate surrounding his eligibility for another term. While asserting his right to run again despite being elected for a second term in 2019, Sall emphasized his commitment to the nation's stability over personal ambition. He stated, "Even if I have the right, I felt that my duty is not to contribute to destroying what I have built for this country… Senegal is more than just me."
This declaration preempts further demonstrations that Sonko had called for if Sall chose to seek re-election. Sonko has accused the government of using legal proceedings against him to eliminate political rivals. The recent protests over Sonko's conviction resulted in numerous fatalities, highlighting the fragility of the situation.
Senegalese President Macky Sall on Monday announced that he will not seek re-election. (AP Photo/Lewis Joly, Pool, File)
Sall's decision echoes a similar scenario from 2012, when he won the presidency against incumbent Abdoulaye Wade, whose controversial bid for a third term triggered widespread protests. In 2016, Sall himself introduced a constitutional amendment limiting presidential terms to two, although his supporters argued his first term shouldn't be counted under this new rule. Recent statements hinting at the Constitutional Council's approval of his candidacy had further fueled speculation of a third-term bid.
The president has urged the government to ensure a transparent election process in February. The question of who will represent Sall's party remains open. Sall's choice stands in contrast to recent actions by other African leaders who have amended constitutions to extend their rule, such as Alassane Ouattara in Ivory Coast and Alpha Condé in Guinea, the latter of whom was subsequently ousted in a coup.
While some, like Dakar resident Bolle Fall, expressed disappointment at Sall's decision and concerns about the economic impact of recent protests, the move is largely seen as a crucial step towards preserving Senegal's stability in a volatile region.
