Senegal is abuzz with anticipation as President Macky Sall is set to address the nation on the possibility of running for a third term in 2024. While Sall and his supporters believe the legality of a third term is settled, not everyone shares this view. The streets of Dakar remain calm this Sunday, but the upcoming speech has already become the talk of the town.
Citizens yearn for clarity and resolution in the face of recent challenges. Many hope that Sall’s speech will provide a definitive answer and address the issues plaguing the country. However, some Senegalese, like law student Serigne Samb, strongly oppose a third term, citing the clear provisions of the Constitution that only allow for two consecutive terms. Samb emphasizes the need to avoid the problems associated with third terms seen in other African countries.
The heart of the debate lies in the interpretation of the Constitution. Sall argues that his reset of the presidential term limits, transitioning from a seven-year term to a five-year term, enables him to run again. This interpretation is supported by the Constitutional Council and some Senegalese citizens who prioritize having a hard-working president over the number of terms served. They believe that as long as the Constitution allows it, Sall should be able to run for a third term.
Sall has deliberately maintained ambiguity in his recent speeches, using inclusive language when referring to the future. The stakes surrounding his decision are enormous, especially in the aftermath of the violent protests following the conviction of opposition figure Ousmane Sonko.
If Sall chooses not to run, tensions may ease, but the question of his successor within the ruling party remains uncertain. On the other hand, if he announces his candidacy, concerns about potential unrest arise among sections of civil society.
As the nation awaits Sall’s speech, the outcome will have far-reaching implications for Senegal. It is a critical moment that will shape the country’s political landscape and determine the path forward. The hopes and fears of the Senegalese people are intertwined with the decision President Macky Sall is about to make.