President Bola Tinubu has commended the decision of Senegal President Macky Sall not to seek a third term in office after the end of his tenure.

“It has brought great joy and relief. As a democrat, I must commend my brother for his statesmanship,” Mr Tinubu said in a statement by his spokesman, Dele Alake, on Friday.

There had been protests in Senegal in the past few weeks following speculations about Mr Sall’s third-term ambition after his second term in office in 2024.

Mr Sall on Monday said he would not offer himself as a candidate for his country’s February 25, 2024, presidential election.

Mr Tinubu said Mr Sall’s decision was in the best interest of his country and the peace and stability of the West African region.

“With this singular decision, President Sall chose the stability, security and economic well-being of his people over and above narrow personal interest.

“The impact of this important decision will be felt beyond the shores and borders of Senegal and across our West African sub-region,” the Nigerian president said.

Mr Tinubu said Mr Sall demonstrated that leadership is about serving the people honourably and quitting the stage when the constitutionally-stipulated time is up.

Mr Sall, 61, came to power in 2012 and was re-elected in 2019.

The Senegalese constitution was amended in 2016 but still provides a maximum of two terms.

But his supporters argued that his first term, which came before the constitutional amendment, didn’t count, something the opposition contested.

Senegal is a country considered one of the most stable democratic governments in Africa.

(NAN)