“Regardless, President Macky Sall has put his country before himself” says Cameroonian lawyer and activist barrister Akere Muna.

Cameroonian lawyer and activist Barrister Akere Muna has praised Senegalese President Macky Sall for his decision not to run for a third term in the 2024 presidential elections.

“Regardless, president Macky Sall has put his country before himself. Akere said on Twitter. “Senegal thus continues to carry the torch of democracy in francophone Africa” he added. For  the former Vice President of Amnesty International, the flame of Senegalese’s democracy should reach out to other French speaking African nations.

Sall’s decision has been welcomed by many Senegalese citizens, who have taken on social media to celebrate. However, it has also been criticized by some opposition leaders, who say that it is a missed opportunity for Sall to continue his work.

Akere is not the only one who has praised Sall’s decision. The African Union has also welcomed the move, saying that it “sends a strong signal of commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law.”

Sall’s decision is a significant one, and it is one that will be closely watched by other African leaders. It remains to be seen whether his example will be followed, but it is clear that his decision has been met with a positive response from many people.

By Washira Helene