Senegal: President Macky Sall rules out re-election bid for third term

President Macky Sall of Senegal announced Monday in a televised speech that he will not seek re-election in the upcoming elections scheduled for February next year, putting an end to all speculations. Speculations had been circulating that Sall would attempt to extend his time in office, which led to unrest and violence in the country since 2021. Critics argued that a third term would be illegal, causing concerns about a potential democratic decline in the country.

Senegal has a history of political stability and a relatively peaceful democratic system compared to some other countries in the region.

“There has been much speculation and commentary on my eventual candidature on this election. The 2019 term was my second and last term,” Sall said. “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,” he said.

Analysts say that President Sall’s announcement not to run for another term would alleviate fears of a democratic regression in Senegal.

Regional leaders, including Niger’s President Mohamed Bazoum, Guinea Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, commended Sall’s decision.