Ousmane Sonko, the leader of Senegal’s major opposition party, issued his first remarks following President Macky Sall’s announcement that he will not run for reelection on Thursday, warning of “indescribable chaos” if he is unable to run in the election in February.
“There will be no elections in this country, or there will be indescribable chaos if President Macky Sall uses judicial tricks to prevent my candidacy,” Ousmane Sonko said in an interview with newsmen.
Sonko, a fiery politician and Sall’s most ardent foe, was given a two-year prison term last month for morally corrupting a young woman; as a result of his conviction, he is no longer permitted to compete for office.
The decision caused the worst turmoil Senegal has seen in years, which according to the authorities resulted in 16 fatalities or approximately 30 fatalities according to the opposition.
Sall, who is nearing the end of his second term, said on Monday in a speech to the nation that he would not run for a contentious third term in the coming election.
A president is only permitted to hold office for a maximum of two terms, but Sall’s supporters claimed that according to a 2016 modification, the counter had been reset to zero.
He had been hesitant about seeking a third term in recent months, fueling uncertainty that the opposition seized upon.
Sonko claimed on Thursday that the president had chosen not to run “not because he is a democrat,” but rather due to “popular and international pressure.” He claimed there is no justification for praising him for that.
Sonko noted that he was “ready to forgive” and even “forget” if allowed to run for president, despite the fact that he claimed others in positions of authority were eager to remove him from the race.
In his call for free, open, and inclusive elections, Sonko expressed his wishes for Sall’s successful conclusion of his tenure “and that he and his family will be able to leave in peace.” He also said that currently he is not in contact with Sall.
Security forces have blocked Sonko in his home in the capital Dakar since May 28, several days before the court ruling.