Senegal in political turmoil as potential third term for President Macky Sall looms

Tensions are high in the West African nation, Senegal as speculations over a potential third term of office for current president Macky Sall, 61 in 2024 keep dominating the news.

A great majority of Senegalese are to opposed any of such eventuality, and have asked President Macky Sall to respect the constitution and not follow the route other African dictators have taken over the years.

As rumours continue to swirl, President Macky Sall has neither affirmed nor denied them, giving room for suspicions he may be thinking about going against the constitution as the masses fear.

His supporters however maintain that it is well within his right to take up another term, as to them he will not be violating the constitution even if he does so.

These speculations have given way to massive demonstrations in Dakar, for over a year. The disgruntled population, mostly made up of youths, say they have had enough of Macky Sall, and are throwing their support behind the major opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, 48, who is currently facing legal battles.

Ousmane Sonko is currently being tried over an alleged rape incident. The opposition leader is accused to have abused Adji Sarr, a messeuse in a beauty salon where he often went for massage sessions.

Sonko has also been handed a 6 months suspended prison sentence and 1 month behind bars for a defamation case.

Ousmane Sonko has nevertheless denied any wrongdoings in all the charges he has faced so far.

Other opposition candidates like Khalifa Sall, and Barthélémy Diaz among others have accused President Macky Sall to be behind such schemes to distabilize the opposition and render them powerless over an eventual face off in the 2024 presidential elections.