President Bola Tinubu has lauded Senegal’s President Macky Sall’s decision not to run for a third term after his tenure ends.
Dele Alake, presidential adviser on Special Duties, Communications, and Strategy, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja last Friday.
In recent weeks, speculation about Sall’s potential third term led to widespread protests in Senegal, a nation known for its stable democratic structure.
However, Sall clarified on Monday that he wouldn’t be in the running for the Feb. 25, 2024, presidential election.
Tinubu commended Sall’s move as serving the best interests of Senegal and the broader stability of the West African region.
He regarded Sall’s adherence to constitutional term limits, stating, “As a Democrat, I must commend my brother for his statesmanship.”
Tinubu acknowledged that Sall’s decision prioritized the stability, security, and economic prosperity of his nation over personal interests, emphasizing the far-reaching impact of such a move in promoting democracy and respect for the constitution within Africa.
“With this singular decision, President Sall chose the stability, security and economic well-being of his people over and above narrow personal interest.
“The impact of this important decision will be felt beyond the shores and borders of Senegal and across our West African sub-region.
Sall, 61, ascended to power in 2012, was re-elected in 2019, and while the Senegalese constitution, amended in 2016, allows for two terms, some argued his pre-amendment term shouldn’t count.