Senegal’s president has rejected claims that it would be unconstitutional for him to seek a controversial third mandate.

Macky Sall’s comments in an interview with the French magazine L’Express are likely to fuel an already tense political climate.

The constitution in Senegal was amended in 2016 to shorten a presidential term from seven to five years.

It states that no-one can serve more than two consecutive terms which the opposition says clearly prevents Mr Sall from running in next year’s election.

Critics of Mr Sall accuse his government of using the courts to sideline the opposition politician, Ousmane Sonko.

Mr Sonko is currently facing two court cases that could threaten his eligibility for the election.