Senegal’s President, Macky Sall has ruled out seeking re-election in 2024, ending widespread speculation that he would run for a third term. According to the president in a television address, his 2019 term was his second and last term. Rumors he would try to extend his grip on power have fueled unrest several times since 2021, with dozens killed. The opposition had called for fresh protests if Sall decided to run again which most legal experts say would have violated the constitution.
Recently there had been anger in Senegal over the sentencing of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko to two years in prison for the crime of corrupting youth. The 48-year-old was found guilty of acting immorally towards an individual younger than 21, but cleared of rape charges. Thousands of protesters took to the streets of several cities and at least 16 people were killed. Sonko denies any wrongdoing, and his supporters say the trial was a political ploy to disqualify him from entering the presidential race.
Chidozie Chima | September 20, 2024
