Macky Sall’s swift and pivotal return to Senegal ahead of un role

On Friday, July 17, at precisely 3:00 PM, a specially chartered flight carrying former President Macky Sall will land at the Dakar military airbase, signaling a highly calculated return to the nation he led for twelve years.

A brief yet purposeful visit

Macky Sall’s visit is anything but casual. Immediately upon disembarking, he will be granted an audience with the country’s current leadership before departing for New York later that evening. This is no ordinary stopover—Sall arrives as a candidate vying for the position of United Nations Secretary-General, seeking backing that Senegal has yet to formally endorse.

Controversy and accountability

Not everyone in Senegal or within its government views his return with approval. His tenure, spanning from 2012 to 2024, remains a subject of intense debate. Critics, including members of the victorious 2024 presidential party, the Pastef, highlight unresolved issues such as the alleged hidden public debt scandal and the political unrest that marked his final years in office. While no legal proceedings have been initiated against him, the calls for transparency and accountability persist.

Political legacy and future ambitions

Just twelve months ago, one of his closest allies—his former Prime Minister—publicly distanced himself from Sall’s policies. This shift underscores the growing divide within political circles, where loyalty to past administrations is increasingly scrutinized. As Sall steps back into the spotlight, his actions in Dakar will be closely watched, not just as a former leader but as a potential global diplomat.