Senegal President Sall in favor of the release of Ousmane Sonko
By Eratus Ndueh
President Macky Sall has revealed to be in favor of the release of his political rival Ousmane Sonko, who has been imprisoned for many months.
He was speaking during an interview session with the national press on Thursday, February 22, 2024.
“Yes, I am ready to go that far so that everyone can benefit from this pardon and so that Senegal can move towards these elections in a peaceful manner,” said president Sall while preaching peace during a televised interview with the press. The president added “It all depends on their lawyers. They know how it happens,”
President Sall, who has been elected since 2012 for a seven year mandate which was renewed in 2019 is wrapping up two terms in office. He disclosed not to stand for the post again for another mandate but revealed that if the population chose to reelect him, he will gladly stand.
Sall had postponed the election till December citing unresolved dispute over who could run. But his move was struck down by Senegal’s Constitutional Court as illegal.
“On April 2, 2024, my mission ends at the head of Senegal,” the president said seemingly ending suspicions that he might remain in office longer than expected.
The Constitutional Court ordered the government to set a new election date as soon as possible and Sall has promised to comply but a date has not been set yet.
