President Macky Sall made the comments in a speech on Monday evening, ahead of independence day celebrations on Tuesday which are being snubbed by the Yewwi Askan Wi opposition coalition.

The country is less than a year away from presidential elections, and last month there was an outcry when Mr Sall said it wouldn't be illegal for him to seek a third term in power despite the constitution limiting presidents to two consecutive terms.

He has not yet officially declared whether he intends to step down or run for top office again.