‘I will end my term April 2’ -Macky Sall

President Macky Sall of Senegal has reassured the public that he will not exceed his mandate beyond April 2, 2024. Despite his attempts to postpone the presidential election for 10 months due to disputes over candidacy, the Constitutional Court deemed this move illegal. Sall made this commitment during a live television address on February 22, 2024. He stated that he will step down as President of the Republic after completing his second term on April 2, 2024.

Following the ruling coalition’s attempt to extend his rule in early February, opposition lawmakers protested and left the assembly session as the election was rescheduled for December. The opposition is now pressuring Sall to adhere to the original election date of April 2, 2024. Sall has agreed to engage in discussions with political stakeholders to find a way forward.

Although Senegal has traditionally been known for its stable democracy, the current political crisis has led to deadly protests in the country. The Constitutional Court has ordered the government to set a new election date promptly, as tensions continue to rise. The opposition has united in demanding that the election be held as originally scheduled, no later than April 2, 2024.