Putting an end to the widespread speculation surrounding his political future, President Macky Sall of Senegal has officially announced that he will not seek re-election in 2024.

"The 2019 term was my second and last term," he said in a televised address.

In his address late on Monday, Mr Sall, 61, said: "There has been much speculation and commentary on my eventual candidature on this election.

"My decision, carefully considered... is not to run as a candidate in the upcoming election.

"Senegal is more than me, and is full of capable leaders for the country's development," he added.

Since 2021, rumors of President Macky Sall attempting to extend his hold on power have sparked unrest on multiple occasions, leading to the loss of many lives.

In response to these speculations, the opposition had threatened to organize further protests if Mr. Sall pursued another term, a move that most legal experts argued would have been in violation of the country's constitution.

In recent times, anger has surged throughout Senegal following the conviction of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, who was sentenced to two years in prison on the charge of "corrupting youth." While the 48-year-old was acquitted of rape allegations, he was found guilty of engaging in immoral behavior with a person below the age of 21.

The verdict triggered mass demonstrations across various cities, with thousands of protesters rallying against the ruling. Tragically, the protests resulted in at least 16 fatalities.

Sonko vehemently denies any wrongdoing, and his supporters argue that the trial was a politically motivated scheme designed to prevent him from participating in the upcoming presidential race.

caption,Senegal was rocked by deadly violence after Ousmane Sonko's court verdict in June

Mr Sall has been in office since 2012.

In 2016, he changed the constitution to set a two-term presidential limit. But his supporters argued he could still run for a third term as his first was under the previous constitution.

Speculation that he would try to cling on to power has dented Senegal's reputation as a relatively stable democratic nation in the restive West African region.