Sénégal. Macky Sall’s return to Dakar for crucial talks with President Faye on UN bid
Actus. 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 primarily aimed at advancing his campaign for the esteemed position of United Nations Secretary-General. A key component of his trip will be a meeting with current President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who has yet to publicly endorse Sall’s international aspirations.
A significant return since presidential departure
Macky Sall confirmed via a social media post that he would arrive in Dakar on Friday for discussions with his successor, Bassirou Diomaye Faye. This marks his first presence on Senegalese soil since stepping down from the presidency on April 3, 2024. The former head of state indicated his intention to depart “immediately” following this pivotal meeting, which forms part of the ongoing consultations for his candidacy for the role of Secretary-General of the United Nations.
A divisive candidacy on the African political stage
In an unusual turn for African politics, Macky Sall’s candidacy was not formally presented by Senegal itself, but rather by Burundi, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the African Union. By late March, a coalition of approximately twenty AU member states, including Senegal, had already expressed their reluctance to support his bid to succeed Antonio Guterres. As of now, the Senegalese presidency has not officially corroborated the scheduled meeting announced by the former president.
A sensitive political backdrop
Macky Sall’s return unfolds amid a charged atmosphere, characterized by significant criticism regarding his administration’s handling of opposition protests between 2021 and 2024, a period during which numerous lives were lost. The new authorities have pledged to shed light on these contentious events, despite an existing amnesty law that covers actions committed during that timeframe. In March, a collective identifying themselves as victims of repression publicly voiced their strong opposition to the former president’s UN candidacy, leveling accusations of “blood and economic crimes” against him.
A highly anticipated encounter
The upcoming meeting between Macky Sall and Bassirou Diomaye Faye will be meticulously observed, as the former president endeavors to consolidate support for his international ambition. This encounter could also provide crucial insights into the evolving relationship between Senegal’s new leadership and their predecessor, set against a political landscape still shaped by unresolved issues from the past. The outcome of these discussions will be a key piece of West Africa news.
