Macky Sall Says he’ll Leave office in April, Gives no Date for Elections

President Macky Sall of Senegal reiterated on Thursday that his mandate at the helm of the country would conclude as scheduled on April 2, 2024, despite the postponement of the presidential election date. The election, which he had decreed to be delayed, left many in suspense regarding its new date.

Opposition groups are keeping pressure on Sall to hold elections quickly, planning protests throughout the weekend. Sall has been accused of trying to hold onto power, something the president has denied.

“There is no debate on this point, I never thought of continuing beyond this date. My mandate will end on April 2,” President Sall affirmed.

Despite a lack of clarity on a new date, some Senegalese experts said Sall’s words Thursday showed his willingness to respect the Constitutional Council’s decision. “I’m very pleased with this interview, which clarifies President Macky Sall’s intentions and desire to respect the Constitution and pursue his policy of appeasement and national reconciliation,” said Alioune Tine, founder of Afrikajom Center, a West African think tank.

“If a new president isn’t chosen by the time Sall leaves office, the Constitutional Council will declare a power vacuum and the president of the national assembly will set a date,” Tine said.

National Dialogue and release of Ousmane Sonko

In a move towards fostering inclusivity and national unity, President Sall announced a dialogue scheduled for February 26. As part of this dialogue, he pledged to release detained candidates and political leaders, emphasizing the need for reconciliation.

“I have always said that I call for an inclusive dialogue. And I am convinced that if we want our country to continue its harmonious progress, we must reconcile whatever the offenses and crimes that have pushed one and the other others before the courts. From this perspective, no person should be excluded and as soon as we can go beyond the facts, any person could benefit from this leniency,” President Sall stated.

Regarding the potential release of ex-Pastef leader Ousmane Sonko, President Sall expressed openness. “I have no objection, I look at the country, I do not look at a person. My objective is to be a head of state (…) provisional freedom for Ousmane Sonko and Diomaye? Yes it is possible, it will depend on their lawyers, on justice…”, he added.

President Sall’s commitment to a peaceful transition of power and his call for national unity have been central to his administration’s approach as the country prepares for the upcoming election.