Former Senegalese President Macky Sall Returns to Dakar for UN Secretary-General Bid
News. Former Senegalese President Macky Sall is set to make his initial return to Senegal on Friday, July 17, marking his first visit since concluding his presidential term in April 2024. This significant journey is part of his ongoing campaign for the prestigious United Nations Secretary-General position and will feature a crucial meeting with current President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who has yet to publicly endorse Sall’s international aspirations.
First return since end of tenure
Macky Sall confirmed via social media his impending arrival in Dakar this Friday for discussions with his successor, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. This visit represents his inaugural trip back to Senegalese soil since departing the highest office on April 3, 2024. The former head of state indicated his departure would be « immediate » following this engagement, which is organized as part of the consultative process for his United Nations Secretary-General candidacy.
A candidacy generating debate
In a departure from conventional diplomatic protocol, Macky Sall’s bid for the top UN role has not received sponsorship from Senegal itself. Instead, it has been put forward by Burundi, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the African Union. In late March, approximately twenty African Union member states, including Senegal, had already declined to back his ambition to succeed Antonio Guterres. As of now, the Senegalese presidency has not issued an official confirmation regarding the meeting publicized by the former president.
Persistent sensitive political climate
Macky Sall’s return unfolds against a backdrop of ongoing criticism concerning his administration’s response to opposition protests between 2021 and 2024, a period tragically marked by numerous fatalities. The current government has pledged to investigate these incidents thoroughly, even though an amnesty law is in place for actions committed during that timeframe. Moreover, in March, a coalition identifying itself as victims of the crackdown openly voiced its objection to the former president’s UN leadership aspirations, leveling accusations of « blood and economic crimes » against him.
Highly anticipated meeting
The upcoming discussion between Macky Sall and Bassirou Diomaye Faye will be closely monitored, particularly as the former president endeavors to secure endorsements for his international candidacy. This encounter may also offer insights into the developing relationship between Senegal’s new leadership and its predecessor, within a political environment still shaped by unresolved issues from the past.