Senegal's president says he'll leave office in April, but gives no date for elections
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00:00 It was an announcement anticipated throughout Senegal.
00:02 Maki Sal on Thursday confirmed the date that his presidential mandate would end.
00:07 "I'm saying it very clearly and solemnly. On April 2, 2024,
00:13 my mission as president of Senegal ends. Then we'll see."
00:17 Elections in the West African country had originally been scheduled for February 25.
00:22 But without warning, and at the last minute,
00:25 Sal postponed them by 10 months, citing a dispute over the candidates' list.
00:30 As a result, fierce demonstrations broke out throughout Senegal,
00:34 rocking one of the region's key democracies.
00:36 Last week, though, the country's constitutional court overturned the move
00:41 and announced a new list of 19 candidates.
00:43 Sal confirmed he would abide by the ruling,
00:47 while also declaring his intention to introduce an amnesty law in a bid to restore calm.
00:51 The text would allow the release from prison of his main political opponent, Ousmane Sonko.
00:59 "Yes, I'm ready to go that far so that everyone can benefit from this pardon,
01:03 and so that Senegal can move towards these elections in a peaceful manner."
01:07 Amidst the announcements, Senegal's leader has stopped short of confirming a new date for
01:13 elections, saying that a national dialogue has to occur first. This would include civil society,
01:19 political parties and candidates, and it's set to start on Monday lasting until Tuesday.
01:24 But it remains unclear whether these talks will yield results before Sal's mandate ends in April.