Senegal: "I remain open to dialogue," says Macky Sall in his traditional message to the nation

President Macky Sall (here during his vows on December 31, 2022) did not have a word on a possible candidacy for a third term for the presidential election scheduled for February 2024, during his speech to the Nation on April 3, 2023, the eve of Independence Day. © twitter

Text by: RFI Follow

2 min

In Senegal, it is a national holiday this Tuesday, April 4, the 63rd anniversary of the country's independence. President Macky Sall spoke for a traditional message to the nation last night Monday. Less than a year before the presidential election, and after political tensions in recent weeks, the head of state said he was open to "dialogue".

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With our correspondent in Dakar, Charlotte Idrac

He did not have a word about a possible candidacy for a third term for the presidential election scheduled for February 2024. President Macky Sall maintains the vagueness. In a tense political climate, on the sidelines of legal proceedings against the opponent Ousmane Sonko, the head of state invokes the "heritage" and "wisdom" of the elders to "overcome" the "differences".

« In this spirit, I remain open to dialogue and consultation with all the living forces of the nation, with respect for the rule of law and the institutions of the Republic, for a united Senegal, a Senegal of peace, stability and national cohesion. »

In his speech, President Macky Sall also paid tribute to the armed forces, and insisted on securing the territory. "Faced with the rise of dangers, we are continuing to secure the national territory, with the establishment of new units even in the most remote areas in order to better assert the sovereignty of the State, and ensure the security of people and property. "

President Macky Sall remained vague about the upcoming presidential election in his speech Monday night

Charlotte Idrac

A big parade is planned this Tuesday in Dakar. Invited, the leaders of the opposition coalition Yewwi Askan Wi had "declined" the invitation on Sunday, the head of state having according to them "made no significant act for the easing of political and social tension".

The theme of this year's Independence Day is "Preserving Natural Resources".

► Read also: In Senegal, a well-maintained confusion

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• Senegal
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