Senegal: Opposition leader Ousmane Sonko predicts strong victory, steps Back into political arena

In his first public appearance since his release from prison, prominent Senegalese opposition figure Ousmane Sonko rallied hundreds of supporters outside a hotel in the capital Dakar on Friday.

Amidst chants and cheers, Sonko, along with his deputy and presidential candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye, addressed the media, exuding confidence in their coalition’s chances in the upcoming presidential election.

Sonko, who was disqualified from running in the election, expressed optimism about a decisive first-round victory for Faye, provided the electoral process remained fair. “If the election goes well, I don’t think we’ll get less than 60 percent,” he asserted, urging the Senegalese people to remain vigilant against potential corruption.

Having named Faye as his replacement on the presidential ballot, Sonko reiterated his unwavering support for his chosen successor.

“My person is not the most important thing. My objective is to help win the election,” he affirmed, underscoring the significance of their shared vision for Senegal.

The opposition leader spared no criticism for former prime minister Amadou Ba, the candidate backed by the presidential camp, but emphasized that the election would not descend into hostility. Instead, he pledged a pursuit of justice and accountability for those in power should their coalition emerge victorious.

Faye, portrayed as a favorite in the presidential race, has been hailed as a beacon for “system change” and “left-wing pan-Africanism.”

His coalition, buoyed by grassroots support, has vowed to reclaim Senegal’s sovereignty and renegotiate key contracts if elected.

The release of Sonko and Faye, beneficiaries of a recent amnesty law, culminated in a jubilant rally through the streets of Dakar, signaling their enduring popularity and galvanizing momentum for their election campaign.

While Faye’s imprisonment since April 2023 stemmed from legal disputes and criticisms of the justice system, his manifesto echoes Sonko’s stances on corruption, economic justice, and sovereignty—a resonant message that has mobilized widespread support.

The forthcoming presidential election, confirmed by Senegal’s Supreme Court despite attempts by disqualified candidates to challenge its legitimacy, marks a pivotal moment in the country’s political landscape.

President Macky Sall’s attempts to delay the vote had triggered a constitutional crisis, fueling public unrest and demands for electoral transparency.

As Senegal prepares for the March 24 election, the reemergence of Sonko and Faye, alongside their coalition’s unwavering resolve, sets the stage for a fiercely contested battle for the nation’s future.