2024-02-10 19:14:15
In an interview with the Associated Press, President Macky Sall refuted accusations that he is trying to cling to power following postponing elections for ten months.
The postponement of the presidential election in Senegal provokes violent demonstrations despite the call for dialogue. Some have even gone so far as to say that Macky Sall would seek to stay in power. According to him, at this time, Senegal needed more time to resolve a dispute regarding the disqualification of certain candidates.
He indicated he was ready to leave power, but first wanted to ensure he would leave a stable country. For his allies, postponing the presidential election is a wise decision. But the Senegalese president’s background fuels suspicions of fraud.
Human rights NGOs say that under his presidency, democracy has been undermined. When Macky Sall campaigned to oust his predecessor Abdoulaye Wade, he warned of chaos if the president dared to extend his mandate by a single day. Now, following more than a decade in power, it appears his views have changed. “The Secretary-General is closely following the situation in Senegal with concern,” said Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General. “It encourages stakeholders at the national level to dialogue, maintain a peaceful political environment, avoid the use of violence and ensure the organization of an inclusive and transparent election in compliance with constitutional provisions,” he added.
In Senegal, the situation remains tense. Protests once morest the postponement decision, according to many experts, risk causing instability in the country. The opposition continues to call for mobilization in the coming days.
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