Sall said during a press conference on Tuesday that he hopes to achieve that in order for Senegal to serve as an example to the world.

His decision is a marked contrast to several African leaders who have been moving to increase the number of years they would be able to rule.

Countries like Benin, Rwanda, Burundi and Congo-Brazaville are considering changes to their constitutions which will allow the incumbents a third term. In countries like Algeria, Angola, Chad, Djibouti and Uganda, the laws have been changed to favour the incumbents, while in Burkina Faso, Blaise Compaore’s attempt to contest again in violation of the constitution led to his eventual removal from office.

Sall however said he wants to be different.

“I was elected for seven years (but) next year, I will propose the organisation of a referendum for the reduction of my mandate,” he said.

“Have you ever seen presidents reduce their mandate? Well I’m going to do it,” Sall told the meeting at the presidency, making good on a pledge which formed part of his election campaign in 2012.

“We have to understand, in Africa too, that we are able to offer an example, and that power is not an end in itself,” he added.

He said he would like the elections to be held in 2017 instead of 2019 but refused to announce if he would contest for a second term as allowed by the constitution.

Source: Guardian