Macky Sall, the President of Senegal, has confirmed that he will not run for a third term as president, ending months of speculation.
Sall was speaking in a televised address where he confirmed he would not run for a third term. The constitution was changed during Sall’s first term as president, to ensure that Senegalese leaders can only serve for two terms.
However, Sall’s supporters have argued that because the Constitution was changed when Sall was already President, this restriction would not apply to him. Nevertheless, Sall has now confirmed he will not stand again.
Sall’s recent tenure has been marked by unrest and the jailing of an opposition leader.
Senegal has had a reputation as an island of relative stability and prosperity in West Africa and any move by Sall to extend his rule would have damaged the country’s standing in this regard.
The next Presidential election is due to be held in February next year.
[Image: MONUSCO Photos, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=32469905]