Senegal’s Faye meets Macky Sall over UN Secretary-General bid
Senegal’s Ex-President Sall Returns to Senegal for First Time Since Leaving Office
Former Senegalese President Macky Sall returned to Dakar on Friday for the first time since leaving office in April 2024, holding talks with his successor, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, as part of his campaign to become the next United Nations Secretary-General.
According to the Senegalese presidency, Sall briefed Faye on his candidacy and sought the backing of his home country for the highly competitive international position.
Sall Seeks Senegal’s Support for UN Bid
Following the meeting, the presidency said Sall had updated President Faye on the progress of his campaign and pledged to keep him informed throughout the selection process.
In a statement shared on X, the presidency said the former leader had requested Senegal’s support and committed to providing regular updates as the process advances. Earlier this year, Burundi, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the African Union, nominated Sall for the UN Secretary-General post.
Supporters Welcome Former President
More than 1,000 supporters gathered at a military airport in Dakar to welcome Sall upon his arrival. Despite the hot weather, enthusiastic supporters cheered as the former president greeted the crowd from the top of a vehicle before heading to his meeting with Faye.
Sall later departed Senegal shortly before 8:00 p.m. local time.
Visit Rekindles Political Controversy
While the meeting focused on Sall’s international ambitions, his return reignited political tensions at home.
The former president has been accused by the current administration of overseeing violent political repression during the final years of his presidency, with authorities alleging that dozens of people were killed during protests. The government has also accused his administration of concealing unfavourable economic data.
Sall has denied wrongdoing and has been living in Morocco since leaving office.
Divisions Emerge Within Ruling Camp
The meeting also exposed divisions within President Faye’s political camp, which has faced internal strains since the dismissal of former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, once considered one of Faye’s closest political allies. One of Faye’s political advisers, Alioune Ibnou Abitalib Sow, resigned on Friday in protest over Sall’s visit.
In a post on X, Sow said Sall was “responsible for a large part of the troubles the country is facing today,” adding that many families were still awaiting the truth about those who died during the former president’s tenure.
Victims’ Group Demands Accountability
A collective representing victims and critics of the crackdown during Sall’s presidency also condemned the visit, describing it as an “incident” and renewing calls for accountability over the deaths that occurred during his time in office. Despite the criticism, Sall’s meeting with President Faye marked an important step in his diplomatic efforts as he seeks international and regional backing for his bid to lead the United Nations.
