Senegal’s President Macky Sall is facing mounting pressure as he insists on leaving power on 2 April, the day his mandate ends, despite postponing the election to choose his successor. The opposition is demanding an earlier vote, but Sall has only committed to holding the election before the end of July.
A “national dialogue” initiated by Sall proposed a new date for the presidential elections in June, suggesting that he should remain in power until a new president is elected. This proposal has sparked outrage among his opponents, who are mobilizing under the name Fippu (“Resistance”) to ensure the election takes place before Sall’s mandate expires.
Activist Thieba Camara Sy emphasized the importance of defending the constitution and the integrity of the electoral process, stating that the Resistance movement is ready to take action.
Despite the calls for an earlier election, the political crisis talks concluded that it would not be feasible to hold the vote before Sall’s term ends. The commission suggested that early June would be the most suitable time for the election, citing religious festivals in May as a hindrance.
The dialogue commission also recommended that Sall remain in office until his successor is sworn in, and proposed re-examining the exclusion of certain opposition candidates, potentially allowing prominent challengers like Karim Wade to re-enter the race.
While Sall aims to hold the election before the rainy season begins in July, the opposition and most presidential candidates have chosen not to participate in the national dialogue, questioning its legitimacy.
As the political situation in Senegal continues to unfold, all eyes are on President Macky Sall’s next steps and the outcome of the ongoing discussions. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
