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Senegalese President Macky Sall’s upcoming address to the nation on Monday evening has raised speculation about his potential third term, which the opposition considers unconstitutional. Opposition leader Ousmane Sonko has urged his supporters to be prepared for street protests if the president announces plans for a third term. The uncertainty surrounding Sall’s intentions and the accusations against him have led to unrest and occasionally violent demonstrations over the past year, undermining Senegal’s reputation for stability.
Sall assumed office in 2012 and won re-election in 2019. Both the previous and current constitutions of Senegal limit presidents to two terms. Although Sall has not explicitly stated his political future, he has hinted he could run for two terms under the new constitution, which came into effect in 2016.
In 2012, Sall defeated then-President Abdoulaye Wade, who was seeking a third term, if he ran for another term. In 2012, Sall defeated then-President Abdoulaye Wade, who was seeking a third term, if he ran for another term.
In a recent speech to his supporters, Sonko called on them to be prepared and resolute, expressing opposition to Sall’s potential third term. Sonko himself was sentenced to two years in prison last month on charges related to an alleged rape, which he denies and believes to be politically motivated.
Although Sonko has not been arrested, any potential detention could disqualify him from participating in the scheduled February elections. He also called for protests if he were to be imprisoned.
The aftermath of Sonko’s conviction witnessed some of the deadliest unrest in recent Senegalese history, with at least 16 fatalities. President Sall, 61, is scheduled to address the nation on television at 20:00 GMT.
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Source: aljazeera.com
