The European Union "calls on all parties to respect [this] decision and to do their utmost to organise the elections in accordance with the Council's decision, i.e. as soon as possible", declared Nabila Massrali, spokeswoman for the head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, adding that the Union denounced "the unnecessary and disproportionate use of force against demonstrations and restrictions on civic space".

Ednews reports the following citing Le Monde.

Massrali also recalled that the EU had already expressed its concerns over the announcement that the presidential election scheduled for 25 February would be postponed until 15 December 2024. This "decision to postpone has had a significant impact on the country's stability and social cohesion", the spokeswoman stressed at a press briefing.

Souleymane Djim, a member of the Collectif des familles de détenus politiques, said that "156 detainees were released" on Thursday "and a total of 500 are due to be released" shortly. "International pressure is causing President Macky Sall to order the releases", he said.

One of the main opposition figures, Ousmane Sonko, as well as his second in command of the dissolved Pastef party, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, one of the presidential favourites, have been detained since 2023. There is currently no news of their possible release.