Macky Sall, President of Senegal, recently gave an interview to international media France 24 and RFI during his participation in the United Nations General Assembly in New York. During this interview, he addressed several current topics, sharing his position and his thoughts.
One of the key topics that came up during this interview was the coup that occurred in Niger last July. President Sall affirmed that the diplomatic solution was favored to resolve this crisis, but that military intervention was not excluded. He stressed the importance of stability in the region and Senegal’s commitment to supporting neighboring countries in their efforts to maintain peace and democracy.
Another important issue raised during the interview was Macky Sall’s decision not to run for a third presidential term in 2024. Legally, he could have done so, but he explained that he had a “code of honor” which prevented him from doing so. The move underscores his commitment to a peaceful and democratic political transition, an example for many African countries facing life-presidency issues.
The political situation in Senegal was also discussed, in particular the imprisonment of political opponent Ousmane Sonko. Macky Sall refrained from commenting on this matter due to the ongoing legal proceedings, but he justified the dissolution of Ousmane Sonko’s party, PASTEF, due to its calls for insurrection and the destruction of the ‘State. This response raises concerns about freedom of expression and democracy in Senegal, highlighting current political tensions in the country.
Finally, Macky Sall raised the possibility of occupying the post of Secretary General of the United Nations in the future. Although he does not consider this his “primary vocation”, he said that he would not rule out this possibility if several countries asked him to do so. This reflection shows Senegal’s growing influence on the international scene and recognition of Macky Sall’s stature as a political leader.
In summary, Macky Sall’s interview with France 24 and RFI covered many current topics, highlighting his position on key issues such as regional stability, presidential term limits, the domestic political situation and future international opportunities. This interview shows both the challenges and aspirations of Senegal in a constantly evolving global context.