In a speech on Monday, Senegal President Macky Sall confirmed that he will not run for reelection next year, putting an end to widespread speculation surrounding his potential third-term bid.
Critics had argued that seeking a third term would have been illegal, and rumours of Sall's intention to extend his stay in power had sparked bouts of unrest since 2021, resulting in several deaths.
Addressing the nation in a televised speech, President Sall stated, “The 2019 term was my second and last term.”
He further explained his decision, saying, “My decision, carefully considered… is not to run as a candidate in the upcoming election on Feb. 25, 2024. And this, even though the constitution grants me the right.”
Sall's announcement is expected to ease concerns of democratic regression in Senegal. Many had feared that he would follow the footsteps of other regional leaders, such as in Ivory Coast and Togo, who had manipulated constitutional changes to extend their hold on power.
Regional leaders, including Niger's President Mohamed Bazoum, Guinea Bissau's President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, and African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, praised Sall's decision. President Bazoum specifically highlighted that it would help alleviate tensions.
With Sall stepping down, the ruling party now faces the task of finding a suitable successor just months before the February elections. The identities of potential candidates from the main parties remain uncertain.
Following Sall's speech, supporters at the party headquarters in the capital displayed mixed reactions. Some applauded the president's decision, while others shed tears.
A female supporter, emotional about the announcement, said, “That's his choice, and he is our leader. We accept his decision, and we will support whoever he designates.”
The recent unrest in Senegal was triggered by the sentencing of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko to two years in jail on charges related to an alleged rape, which he vehemently denies and claims were politically motivated to hinder his electoral aspirations.
The subsequent riots, fueled partly by the perceived marginalization of opponents by Sall's administration, resulted in the destruction of buildings and vehicles, as well as clashes between protesters and security forces.
During the clashes, at least 16 people lost their lives, and some families of the victims accused security forces of using live ammunition.