Senegal’s President Macky Sall has ruled out seeking re-election in 2024, ending widespread speculation that he would run for a third term.
In a televised address, he revealed that the 2019 term was his second and last term. Rumours that he would try to extend his grip on power have fuelled unrest several times since 2021, with dozens killed.
The opposition had called for fresh protests if Mr Sall decided to run again, which most legal experts say would have violated the constitution.
Mr Sall has been in office since 2012.
In 2016, he changed the Constitution to set a two-term presidential limit, reports the BBC.
Meanwhile, VOA reports that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has praised Senegal President Macky Sall’s announcement that he would not seek a third term in next year’s election.
President Sall announced his decision in a nationally televised speech, ending weeks of speculation that raised the possibility of political uncertainty in the West African nation.
“Senegal is more than just me,” Sall said in Monday’s speech, “it’s full of people capable of taking Senegal to the next level.”
In a statement, Blinken said, “We believe that free and fair elections and transitions of power yield stronger institutions and more stable and prosperous countries. President Sall’s clear statement sets an example for the region, in contrast to those who seek to erode respect for democratic principles, including term limits.”
