The Senegalese political landscape is in turmoil as opposition leader Ousmane Sonko officially announced the choice of Bassirou Diomaye Faye as his replacement for the presidential election scheduled for February 25.
Sonko shared this news through a pre-recorded video broadcast on his Facebook page and opposition-affiliated media on January 28, 2024. This is Sonko’s first public appearance since his arrest in July the previous year.
The 44-minute video, recorded while Sonko was under house arrest in July, shows the opposition leader in traditional attire, passionately detailing his strategic considerations. An important aspect of Sonko’s message is the official endorsement of Bassirou Diomaye Faye as the chosen candidate to succeed him.
Describing Faye as his “little brother” and emphasizing his honesty and genius, Sonko entrusts the presidential project in Faye’s capable hands. The decision to nominate Faye as a replacement candidate comes amid uncertainty over Sonko’s ability to actively participate in the election.
One of the crucial questions raised by this announcement is whether Bassirou Diomaye Faye, currently in pre-trial detention since April on charges including inciting insurrection, will be allowed to be released to run his election campaign. Legal experts are divided on the issue, with some arguing that the serious charges could hamper his pretrial release, while others cite constitutional provisions guaranteeing equality among candidates for campaign activities.
In the video, Ousmane Sonko also pleads for the release of Bassirou Diomaye Faye, invoking the principle of equal opportunities for candidates. The outcome of this request remains uncertain, as no formal request for provisional release has been submitted at this stage.
In the meantime, Ousmane Sonko calls on other presidential candidates affiliated with his party, such as Habib Sy and Cheikh Tidiane Dieye, to maintain their candidacy, thus helping to increase airtime for Pastef’s former candidate.