Group Applauds Senegalese President’s Decline to Run For Third Term

Africans Rising for Unity, Justice, Peace, and Dignity applauded Senegalese President Macky Sall’s decision not to run for a third term.

According to Africans Rising, a global Pan-African movement of people and organizations striving for African unity, justice, peace, and dignity, Sall’s decision not to seek a third term is critical to bringing peace to the West African country.

“While we commend the President for respecting the constitution on a two-term limit, we believe his announcement should have come much sooner as it would have avoided needless violence and loss of life,” the group said in a statement on Wednesday. Nonetheless, this will contribute significantly to the restoration of peace and tranquillity.”

They also asked that: “As a further step, President Sall should proceed and unconditionally release all those arbitrarily arrested and detained for protesting and exercising their right to freedom of assembly – (political prisoners, activists, journalists, women and children).

“We also urge the Regional bodies such as ECOWAS to keep an eye on the peace process and continue with constructive engagement with all sectors of society to maintain peace and stability. Africans Rising is committed and available to support in this respect.”

The group recalled that Senegal had been considered one of the most politically stable countries in West Africa until the recent deadly clashes, lamenting that “violent protests linked to President Macky Sall’s silence and refusal to clear the air regarding initial concerns that he might seek a third term in the 2024 presidential elections erupted across the country, leading to several protester deaths and injuries.”

“During these protests, the security forces had arbitrarily arrested and detained protesters and those holding dissenting views, continued to apply excessive force on civilians, restricted social media and internet use among other measures.”