The timing of Macky Sall’s visit has intensified scrutiny, with critics accusing his administration of excessive force during the unrest that left dozens dead. Boubacar Sèye, spokesperson for a victims’ collective, condemned the visit as “an affront to justice”, stating, “We demand full transparency and accountability for the dozens of lives lost during those years.”

a divided response

While opposition voices decry the visit as “indecent”, supporters of the former president are mobilizing. The Alliance for the Republic (APR), his political party, has called for large-scale rallies in Dakar on Thursday and Friday to welcome him. On social media, Macky Sall confirmed he would depart “immediately” after meeting with President Faye.

UN secretary-general bid fuels controversy

This visit unfolds against the backdrop of Macky Sall’s bid for the United Nations secretary-general position, endorsed by Burundi during its African Union presidency rather than by Senegal. The presidency has yet to comment, though Minister of Armed Forces Yankhoba Diémé dismissed concerns, calling the visit “a routine return to his homeland” and noting that “he faces no legal charges or convictions.”