Senegal President Macky Sall has put an end to the widespread speculation about his future as the leader of the country after he announced that he will not seek another term in office.

He said in a televised address that “The 2019 term was my second and last term.”

Sall’s announcement will likely reduce fears of a democratic backslide in the West African country.

“There has been much speculation and commentary on my eventual candidature on this election,” Sall said in a televised speech.

“My decision, carefully considered… is not to run as a candidate in the upcoming election on Feb. 25, 2024. And this, even though the constitution grants me the right,” he said.

Rumours that he will try to extend his rule have fueled a series of protests since 2021, killing many people.

The opposition had threatened more protests if the Senegalese President decided to run again, which most legal experts believe would be a violation of the constitution.

There has been outrage over the sentence of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko to two years in prison for the crime of “corrupting youth.”

The 48-year-old Sonko was found guilty of immoral behavior toward a salon employee under the age of 21, but was cleared of rape allegation.

Thousands of demonstrators marched through multiple cities, killing at least 16 people.

Sonko denies any wrongdoing, and his supporters argue that the prosecution was politically motivated to prevent him from running for president.