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Senegal’s Sall vows to exit office in April
It remains unclear when the government will set a new election date as ordered by the Constitutional Court.
FILE PHOTO: Senegal's President Macky Sall in Brussels, Belgium October 25, 2023. REUTERS/Johanna Geron/File Photo
Senegal’s President Macky Sall has confirmed that he will conclude his term in April as originally anticipated. However, he has not provided a new date for the presidential election, initially slated for Sunday.
Completing two terms in office and standing by his decision not to seek re-election, Sall had postponed the election to December due to unresolved disputes over eligible candidates. The Constitutional Court deemed this delay illegal.
The timing for the new election remains uncertain
During a televised interview on Thursday, the president stated, “On April 2, 2024, my mission at the helm of Senegal ends,” seemingly dispelling speculations about an extended stay in office. Sall expressed flexibility regarding the election date, stating, “As far as the date is concerned, we’ll see what the dialogue comes up with. The election can be held before or after April 2.”
The timing for electing a new president before the specified date remains uncertain. The Constitutional Court has instructed the government to promptly set a new election date, and Sall has committed to complying, though a date is yet to be established.
Sall announced plans to engage in discussions with political leaders next week, anticipating that a clearer timeline for elections and the post-mandate transition will emerge. Stressing the necessity of avoiding a leadership vacuum, he expressed hope for consensus through dialogue.
Senegal is one of Africa’s stable democracies
Senegal, traditionally regarded as one of West Africa’s most stable democracies, is currently grappling with a political crisis triggered by disputes over the election, marking a departure from its usual stability. The tensions have led to fatal clashes, with security forces reportedly causing at least three deaths and numerous injuries during protests.
Amidst this turmoil, opposition groups are intensifying their efforts to compel President Sall to expedite the electoral process, scheduling protests over the weekend. Accusations have been leveled against Sall, alleging an attempt to cling to power, an assertion vehemently denied by the president.
