SENEGAL’S President Macky Sall announced on Thursday that he will end his term in April as expected, but failed to name a new date for the presidential election originally scheduled for Sunday.

President Sall, who is ending two terms in office, postponed the election for 10 months citing unresolved disputes over who could run. 

But the controversial move was struck down by Senegal’s Constitutional Court as illegal.

Speaking to journalists on live television, Mr Sall said he would end his term as scheduled on April 2. However, it was unclear if a new president could be elected before then.

The Constitutional Court ordered the government to set a new election date as soon as possible, but President Sall’s government still hasn’t set the date.

Mr Sall said that he would hold talks next week with political leaders, and afterwards a timeline for elections.

“It is clear that the country can’t remain without a president. The dialogue will determine what happens next and I hope that after this dialogue there will be a consensus,” he said.

Disputes over the election have plunged the country into a political crisis that has sparked deadly protests. 

At least three people have been killed by security forces and dozens injured.

Opposition groups are keeping pressure on President Sall to hold elections quickly, planning protests throughout the weekend.

Alioune Tine, founder of Afrikajom Centre, a West African think tank, said: “I’m very pleased with this interview, which clarifies President Macky Sall’s intentions and desire to respect the constitution and pursue his policy of appeasement and national reconciliation.

“If a new president isn’t chosen by the time Sall leaves office, the Constitutional Council will declare a power vacuum and the president of the national assembly will set a date.”