In a momentous turn of events, Senegal witnessed the release of two prominent opposition figures, Ousmane Sonko and his endorsed presidential candidate, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, sparking widespread jubilation among their supporters. The state broadcaster RTS announced their liberation on Thursday, a development eagerly anticipated after the Senegalese parliament enacted an amnesty law on March 6, aiming to defuse political tensions and prevent a proposed 10-month postponement of the upcoming March 24 election.
The specifics of Sonko and Faye’s whereabouts post-release remained undisclosed, yet this did not dampen the spirits of thousands who flooded the streets of Dakar, the nation’s capital. The air was thick with chants of Sonko’s name, celebratory dances, and the sound of flares and honking horns, as supporters from all walks of life converged to celebrate this pivotal victory. Among them was 52-year-old health worker Fatima, who shared, “We’ve been waiting for this day for so long. Prayed for it. I believe Sonko can change the country.”
The political landscape in Senegal has been particularly charged in the lead-up to this election. Ousmane Sonko, a figure revered especially by the youth for his stance against economic challenges and unemployment, had called on his supporters to rally behind Faye, despite Sonko’s own disqualification due to a defamation conviction he claims was politically motivated—a charge the authorities refute.
Faye, although lesser-known and previously detained, remains a formidable contender in the race to succeed President Macky Sall. His eligibility persists, with no legal ruling against him concerning the charges of defamation and contempt of court. The unity shown by members of Sonko’s dissolved Pastef party and other coalitions in backing Faye highlights a significant shift in Senegal’s political dynamics, positioning Faye as a serious threat to the ruling coalition’s candidate, Amadou Ba.
Amnesty International Senegal’s head, Seydi Gassama, criticized the authorities’ attempts to hinder Faye’s candidacy by detaining him, underscoring concerns about the fairness and democratic integrity of the impending election. “It’s really regrettable that we’re at this point because … it shows that we’re not ready to organize a free and democratic election,” Gassama remarked, echoing the sentiments of many who see this election as a critical juncture for Senegal’s future.
As the nation inches closer to the election, the release of Sonko and Faye not only marks a significant moment of political reprieve but also sets the stage for a highly contested race that could shape the trajectory of Senegal’s democracy. With no public election polls in Senegal, the outcome remains uncertain, but the fervor and support for change, as demonstrated by the jubilant crowds in Dakar, suggest a nation ready for a new chapter.
