Senegal's opposition vows 'chaos' if unable to run in elections

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
6 Jul 2023 23:30

Sonko says the President made the decision not to run "not because he is a democrat," but due to "popular and international pressure" on Thursday.

Opposition leader Ousmane Sonko waves to his supporters during a meeting in Ziguinchor, Senegal (AFP)

A threat of "indescribable chaos" is looming after Senegal's main opposition politician Ousmane Sonko warned to make it happen on Thursday if he is blocked from running in February's election, which comes after President Macky Sall announced he would not seek another mandate.

"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," Sonko said in a virtual interview for the French outlet France 24.

Sonko was sentenced last month to two years in prison for "corrupting the youth," a conviction which makes him ineligible to run.

According to the opposition, the ruling was the reason behind the most violent unrest Senegal has seen in years, leaving around 30 dead, according to the opposition or 16 people dead according to authorities.

Senegalese Interior Minister Antoine Diome confirmed last month that at least 15 people were killed in clashes following the sentencing of the opposition leader.

The Senegalese constitution states that a president cannot serve more than two terms but Sall's supporters argued the counter had been reset to zero due to a 2016 revision.

#Senegal has been witnessing clashes that have claimed the lives of at least 15 people so far.

What is happening in the West #African nation? pic.twitter.com/AWVgfmtyc2
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) June 4, 2023

Sonko said the President had made the decision not to run, "not because he is a democrat," but because of "popular and international pressure," adding that there was no need to congratulate him.

Meanwhile, even though he acknowledges that those in power want to block him from running, he said he's willing to "forgive" and even to "forget" if he is allowed to run.

He expressed hope that Sall ended his term well "and that he and his family will be able to leave in peace" as he urged for free, transparent, and inclusive elections.