By Abia Noumbissi
The President of Senegal, Macky Sall, had announced that he will not be seeking another term during next year’s election.
The declaration was made during a live address to Senegalese on the night of Monday 3rd July 2023.
“The 2019 term was my second and last term… even if the constitution allows me to do so,” President Sall said during his televised address.
His decision to step down comes after weeks of protests, led primarily by the country’s youths after one of his main challengers, Ousmane Sonko, was sentenced to two years in prison.
Sonko was sentenced for “immoral behavior towards individuals younger than 21.”
Sall acknowledged and thanked his opposers, specifically young people, and women who he understands are advocating for youth development, employment, and higher living standards.
He, however, called for unity and an end to extremism and violence both from people who support him and others in the country. So that the country can focus on social and economic progress not just in the present but for future generations to come.
He ended his speech with well wishes for whoever will become Senegal’s next president.
