President Macky Sall of Senegal has ruled out running for re-election in 2024, putting an end to widespread speculation that he may seek a third term.
“The 2019 term was my second and last term,” he said in a televised address.
Rumours that he will try to extend his rule have fueled rebellion many times since 2021, killing scores.
The opposition had threatened more protests if Mr Sall decided to run again, which most legal experts believe would be a violation of the constitution.
n his address late on Monday, Mr Sall, 61, said: “There has been much speculation and commentary on my eventual candidature on this election.
“My decision, carefully considered… is not to run as a candidate in the upcoming election.
“Senegal is more than me, and is full of capable leaders for the country’s development,” he added.
In Senegal, there has recently been outrage at the conviction of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko for the crime of “corrupting youth” for two years in prison.
The 48-year-old was found guilty of immoral behavior toward a person under the age of 21, but not of rape.
Thousands of demonstrators rushed to the streets in multiple cities, killing at least 16 people.
Sonko denies any wrongdoing, and his supporters claim the prosecution was a political plot to keep him from running for president.
Mr. Sall has served as President since 2012.
He amended the constitution in 2016 to establish a two-term presidential restriction. His supporters, however, maintained that because his first term was under the former constitution, he could still run for a third.
Senegal’s reputation as a relatively stable democratic nation in the restive West African area has been harmed by speculation that he may try to cling to power.
