Senegal President Pledges to Stand Down April 2, Ahead of Poll

Senegal President Macky Sall has said he would stand down on 2nd April when his term is due to end, but it is still unclear when elections would be held to elect his successor.

He said the date of the elections would depend on the planned national dialogue that is set to begin on Monday, and which includes civil society groups, political parties and candidates.

Mr. Sall has been under pressure to announce an election date since attempting to delay it earlier this month.

But the country’s top court said the delay was unconstitutional and called for the election to be held as soon as possible.

On Thursday, Mr. Sall said he didn’t think elections could be held before he steps down.

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It’s unclear who would be leading the country after Mr. Sall’s mandate expires and before the elections are completed.

It is clear that the country can’t remain without a president.

The dialogue will determine what happens next and I hope that after this dialogue there will be a consensus, he said.

Senegal has been seen as one of West Africa’s most stable democracies, but disputes over the election have plunged the country into a political crisis that has sparked deadly protests.

At least three people have been killed by security forces and dozens injured.

Opposition groups are keeping pressure on Sall to hold elections quickly, planning protests throughout the weekend. Sall has been accused of trying to hold onto power, something the president has denied.