DIAMNIADIO, Senegal: Senegal’s embattled President Macky Sall on Monday announced the first general amnesty for political protests since 2021 amid talks to set a new date for a presidential election that was postponed this month, sparking deadly unrest.
The year after the sudden postponement of the February 25 vote, which triggered one of the West African country’s worst crises in decades, has been met with public outcry and calls for an election date.
At least four people were killed in the ensuing protests.
“In a spirit of national reconciliation, I will put before the National Assembly this Wednesday in the council of ministers a bill for a general amnesty for acts relating to political demonstrations that took place between 2021 and 2024,” president Sall said adding, “This will make it possible to pacify the political arena and further strengthen our national cohesion.”
Since 2021, hundreds of opposition politicians and more than 1,000 people have been arrested in Senegal amid a power struggle between opposition firebrand Ousmane Sonko and the government, according to some human rights groups.
Mr Sall said on Monday he wanted to hold the presidential election by July, despite a growing campaign to hold a vote before his term ends on April 2.
“My desire and my dearest wish is to hold the presidential election as soon as possible, and to do so before the coming winter (rainy season), and in peace,” he said.
He reiterated his intention to resign after his term ends on April 2.
“In convening this dialogue, I have only one concern — to find a consensus on the date of the next presidential election so that the ballot can take place under the best possible conditions,” Sall added.
