In an eagerly anticipated interview on the evening of February 22nd, President Macky Sall met with journalists from various national media outlets. The central question looming was whether President Sall would announce the date for the upcoming presidential election.
However, to the disappointment of many, he did not provide a specific date. Nevertheless, President Sall was clear about his role as the head of state. “My mission ends on April 2nd as the leader of the country,” reads the headline from Le Quotidien, echoing President Sall’s remarks.
“Le Quotidien” further elaborates: “If the election is held by then, the president will hand over power. Otherwise, the Constitutional Council will determine the next steps in the electoral process. Will there be a transitional president? Who will assume this role?” the Senegalese newspaper ponders, concluding, “For President Sall, it is the dialogue scheduled for Monday and Tuesday that should define the contours of this election.”
“In a state of uncertainty, Macky Sall seeks a solution,” notes Seneplus. “In the absence of an agreement, the ball will be in the court of the Constitutional Council, called upon to make the final decision. Meanwhile, uncertainty persists regarding the organization of the presidential election and the period of transition that will commence after April 2nd, placing Senegal in an unprecedented situation since its independence.”
Release of Opposition Figures
Seneweb highlights a specific aspect of the interview, with the headline: “Macky Sall Announces Good News for Ousmane Sonko. Could he be granted temporary freedom? ‘I have no objection; I am looking at the country, not an individual,'” assured the Senegalese president.
When asked about the possibility of “temporary freedom for Sonko and Diomaye,” he responded, “Yes, it is possible; it will depend on their lawyers and the judiciary.” DakarActu goes further, suggesting that the president “has given assurances” by stating, “I am not against the release of Ousmane Sonko.”
Reconciliation in Ivory Coast
“Towards national reconciliation: President Alassane Ouattara grants presidential pardon to 51 individuals, including Dogbo Blé and Soul to Soul,” headlines L’Infodrome. These two individuals are “now free,” the Ivorian website informs, and “these releases come as part of a presidential pardon for civilian and military prisoners of the socio-political crises that have plagued Côte d’Ivoire in recent decades.”
Fraternité Matin, on the other hand, specifies that the head of state “expressed thoughts for the victims and their families, reiterating his compassion and support.”
Meanwhile, Wakatsera, in Burkina Faso, delves into the case of Koné Souleymane Kamagaté, also known as “Soul to Soul,” described as “one of the loyalists of former Ivorian Prime Minister Guillaume Soro, with whom they experienced both good and bad times during the rebellion period in Ivory Coast. Soul to Soul had ‘refused to bargain for his freedom’ and despite his period of disgrace, openly supported his friend Guillaume Soro, who continuously encouraged him through the difficult ordeal,” adds Wakatsera, concluding, “As for Bruno Dogbo Blé, he is one of the loyalists of former President Laurent Gbagbo, remaining loyal to him.”
According to the Burkinabe website, reconciliation is in the air in Côte d’Ivoire: “This decision by President Ouattara will undoubtedly contribute to reconciling Ivorians, who came together to support their national team and win the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations on February 11th.”