Macky Sall's Third Term: Constitutional Challenges and Political Uncertainty in Senegal

On Monday evening, the Senegalese President Macky Sall will address the nation, and speculation is rife that he is planning to run for a third term, which is unconstitutional under the country's current and previous constitutions.

This has stoked unrest and at times, violent protests over the past year, which have threatened the long-standing stability of this West African nation. Sall came to power in 2012 and won re-election in 2019 and has recently suggested that he is legally eligible to run for two terms under the new constitution, which came into effect in 2016.

If he decides to run again, it would be reminiscent of history when in 2012, Sall defeated then-President Abdoulaye Wade who was running for a third term. His ambition had led to mass protests which eventually helped Sall ascend to the presidency.

In response to Sall's impending speech, opposition leader Ousmane Sonko has called for his supporters to be ready to take to the streets if the president announces any such plan and to protest if he were to be jailed.

Sonko was sentenced to two years in jail last month on charges stemming from an alleged rape – accusations which he denies and asserts are politically motivated. The mass protests that followed his conviction led to at least 16 deaths in what was the deadliest unrest in Senegal's recent history.

Thus, the looming address has raised much anticipation and apprehension amongst the Senegalese people. Will Sall declare his plans to run for a third term, or will he choose to abide by the constitution? If he does opt for a third term, how will the people respond? Will it be similar to the 2012 protests which brought Sall to power, or will it spiral out of control and lead to further civil unrest? Only time will tell as Sall takes to national television.

In the meantime, the country and its people wait with bated breath for the president's words and the consequences that will follow. It is indeed an uncertain time for Senegal as the country faces constitutional challenges and political unrest. The answers to the questions above will soon be revealed. Until then, the Senegalese people must stand together and hope for the best.