In a press interview on February 22, President Macky Sall of Senegal declared, “On April 2, my mission ends at the head of Senegal.” This statement was aimed at dispelling any speculation about his intention to prolong his tenure, even by a single day.
Keen on establishing stable conditions for the upcoming elections, the president seeks an all-encompassing dialogue, slated to commence by February 26, with the sole agenda of reaching a consensus on the presidential election’s date and methodology.
President Macky Sall stressed that the inclusive dialogue will involve key political figures, notably the 19 candidates already approved by the Constitutional Council, alongside unregistered candidates, political parties, and civil society. The primary goal is to restore peace, paving the way for free and transparent elections.
Sall affirmed his commitment to stepping down as President of the Republic after April 2 if a consensus is reached. In the event of no consensus, the Constitutional Council will determine the next course of action in accordance with the Constitution.
Moreover, Sall pledged to promptly issue a decree for a new election date if the dialogue participants reach a consensus. Furthermore, he expressed a strong desire for reconciliation, forgiveness, and stability, emphasizing the significance of conciliation before addressing his relationship with Ousmane Sonko.
The president emphasized that everyone would benefit from pardons as part of creating the necessary conditions for lasting peace. He also deplored the loss of life during the recent unrest, stressing the importance of preserving human lives.
Sall criticized the international press for their “violent” dissemination of information, asserting, “In Senegal, not a single law has been violated so far; we are engaging in dialogue with institutions.”
Acknowledging the prevailing situation in the sub-region, Sall underscored the need to safeguard Senegal’s democracy, uphold the rule of law, and maintain stability.
This article has been translated from the original on our FR website – read it here.
