A scheduled meeting between Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and former head of state Macky Sall—expected in Dakar to secure Senegal’s backing for Sall’s candidacy for UN Secretary-General—has sparked intense debate across the country.

a visit that reopens old wounds

For families of victims from the 2021 to 2024 protests, Sall’s return to Senegal carries painful echoes of the past. Seydi Gassama, who represents 67 presumed victims in their legal battles, warns that such a meeting sends a deeply troubling message.

“We are not shocked by Macky Sall’s return to Senegal— he is a citizen with every right to visit,” explains the director of Amnesty International Senegal. What shocks us is that President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, despite his promises, has yet to deliver justice for the victims of Sall’s regime. No accountability, no reparations—just an embrace of a leader whose hands are stained by the blood of those who marched for change. This is simply unacceptable.”

broken campaign promises

During his campaign, Bassirou Diomaye Faye vowed to prioritize justice for victims of state violence. Yet over two years into his presidency, no trials have begun and compensation remains minimal—a fact that victim advocacy groups continue to highlight with frustration.

Human rights organizations have also condemned the lack of progress. According to Seydi Gassama, Macky Sall’s legacy makes him an unfit candidate for the world’s highest diplomatic office.

the APR’s defense

Leaders of the Alliance for the Republic (APR), Macky Sall’s former party, dismiss criticisms from victim groups as exaggerated.

analyst cautions on political fallout

Political analyst Assane Samb suggests the meeting could reshape both national reconciliation efforts and Senegal’s political landscape.

“Since President Diomaye Faye distanced himself from his original party, Pastef, and now plans to launch his own political movement, the real question is: what alliances will emerge?” Samb notes. We may see a strategic coalition forming between Diomaye’s new party and traditional opposition groups, creating a united front against the still-powerful Pastef movement.”

silence from the presidency and Pastef

As of today, neither the Senegalese presidency nor Pastef—led by Ousmane Sonko—has issued an official statement regarding Macky Sall’s announced visit.

This would mark the first time Sall, who led Senegal from 2012 to 2024, has set foot in the country since relinquishing power in April 2024.

His candidacy for UN Secretary-General was not submitted by Senegal, as is customary, but by Burundi, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the African Union (AU). In late March, over twenty AU member states—including Senegal—rejected his bid to succeed Antonio Guterres.