Who are the Key Players in Senegal’s Political Crisis? – Macky Sall, Ousmane Sonko, Karim Wade and Others

Senegal is in the throes of a political crisis following the indefinite postponement of the presidential election initially slated for February 25. The decision was made by President Macky Sall and triggered a strong reaction from the opposition, leading to mass protests on Sunday. The political unrest has put several political players in the spotlight.

President Macky Sall: A Leader Under Pressure

Macky Sall, age 62, first assumed office in 2012 for a seven-year term and was re-elected in 2019 for a five-year term. Despite initial ambiguity over his intentions, he announced in July 2023 that he would not be pursuing another term.

A former member of the Senegalese Democratic Party (PDS) and founder of the Alliance for the Republic, a centrist and liberal party, Sall had scheduled the presidential election for February 25 in a decree dated November 29, 2023. However, due to political unrest, he repealed his November decree, indefinitely postponing the election, a move that has sparked outrage among the opposition.

Amadou Bâ: The President’s Troubled Heir Apparent

Current Senegalese Prime Minister, Amadou Bâ, is among the twenty candidates whose presidential bid has been approved. A member of the Alliance for the Republic (APR-Yaakaar), the presidential party, he was positioned as Macky Sall’s successor. However, his candidacy is contested within his own party and his chances of winning are slim.

Karim Wade: The Disqualified Candidate

Karim Wade, 55, son of former President Abdoulaye Wade, had his candidacy rejected by the Senegalese Constitutional Council due to his dual Franco-Senegalese nationality at the time of application. Despite his disqualification, his party, the Senegalese Democratic Party, has launched an inquiry into the operation of the Constitutional Council, alleging corruption.

Ousmane Sonko: The Barred Opposition Leader

Ousmane Sonko was disqualified from the race by the Constitutional Council due to defamation charges. Senegal has been experiencing numerous riots and protests due to the ongoing standoff between Sonko and the government, resulting in numerous deaths and arrests.

Bassirou Diomaye Faye: The Anti-System “Plan B”

Bassirou Diomaye Faye, a tax inspector by training and a nominee of the imprisoned Sonko, was also arrested in 2023 for contempt of court, defamation, and acts that could disturb public peace. Despite his imprisonment, his candidacy was approved by the Constitutional Council, making him a credible candidate for victory. However, his chances of running a successful campaign from prison remain uncertain.