Senegal’s President Macky Sall has announced a general amnesty bill for incidents related to the political unrest that has plagued the country since 2021. The announcement comes amidst a serious crisis surrounding the postponement of the presidential election.

Speaking at the opening of national dialogue in Diamniadio, near Dakar, President Sall stated, “In a spirit of national reconciliation, I will submit to the National Assembly this Wednesday in the Council of Ministers a general amnesty bill on the facts relating to political demonstrations occurring between 2021 and 2024.”

The President emphasized his objective of convening the dialogue to ensure the credibility of the election under national and international observation. He asserted that the date of the election will be determined by decree, regardless of any agitation.

President Sall reiterated his commitment to holding the presidential election before winter, as soon as possible, and expressed confidence that through dialogue, a mechanism to guarantee the continuity of the rule of law will be established in peace.

President Macky Sall criticized the candidates who refused to participate in the dialogue, stating, “I have already stated my position; I am no longer a candidate, and as of April 2, I will no longer be President of the Republic. However, it seems as though it’s the end of the world. I want to emphasize that those who did not attend are mistaken because they were not doing so to the president…the nation is above all of us,” Sall remarked towards the dissenting candidates.

The President emphasized that dialogue remains the only solution, stating firmly, “Whether people like it or not, I must engage in dialogue before issuing a decree to set the date of the election.”

He called on politicians to rise to the occasion and demonstrate greatness, urging them to embrace forgiveness, forgetting, and reconciliation for the peace necessary to continue the country’s development efforts.

The government, President Sall assured, is working towards ensuring a well-organized election. He also highlighted that those who refused to participate in the dialogue are only harming themselves, not the President of the Republic.