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Senegal's Opposition Gains Momentum as Key Leaders Released Ahead of Election

The release of Ousmane Sonko and Bassirou Diomaye Faye could significantly impact the presidential race, energizing the opposition and challenging the governing party's hold.

  • Ousmane Sonko and Bassirou Diomaye Faye, prominent opposition figures in Senegal, were released from prison following an amnesty law by President Macky Sall, just over a week before the presidential election.
  • Their release is seen as a boost for the opposition, with Faye still eligible to run and Sonko's popularity potentially swaying the vote despite his ineligibility due to a prior conviction.
  • The amnesty law and the release of political prisoners mark a pivotal moment in Senegal's democracy, amidst concerns of democratic erosion under President Sall's administration.
  • Faye's campaign promises include establishing a new national currency, renegotiating mining and energy contracts, and tackling youth unemployment, aiming for a radical change in politics.
  • The upcoming election is closely watched by international observers, as it could signal a significant shift in Senegal's political landscape and have implications for the region's economy and stability.
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