First visit to Senegal since departing office
Macky Sall confirmed via social media his planned trip to Dakar this Friday for discussions with his successor, Bassirou Diomaye Faye. This marks his inaugural visit to the West African nation since his presidency concluded on April 3, 2024. The former head of state indicated his intention to depart “immediately” following this meeting, which is specifically arranged as part of consultations surrounding his bid for the United Nations Secretary-General position.
A divisive candidacy on the African political stage
In a departure from established diplomatic norms, Macky Sall’s candidacy for the UN top job has not been formally presented by Senegal. Instead, Burundi, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the African Union, has put forward his nomination. This situation arose after approximately twenty AU member states, including Senegal, declined to support his bid to succeed Antonio Guterres in late March. As of now, the Senegalese presidency has not officially confirmed the meeting announced by the former president, adding to the intrigue surrounding this development in African politics.
A still-sensitive political climate in Senegal
Macky Sall’s return unfolds within a backdrop of lingering criticism concerning his administration’s handling of opposition protests between 2021 and 2024, a period that tragically saw numerous fatalities. The current Senegalese government has pledged to thoroughly investigate these events, despite an existing amnesty law covering actions committed during that time. In March, a collective identifying as victims of the repression publicly voiced strong opposition to the former president’s UN candidacy, leveling accusations of “crimes of blood and economic crimes” against him. This highlights the complex governance Africa faces.
An eagerly anticipated encounter
The upcoming meeting between Macky Sall and Bassirou Diomaye Faye will be meticulously observed. Sall is actively seeking to galvanize support for his international aspiration, and this encounter could be crucial. Beyond the UN bid, the discussions may also offer valuable insights into the evolving relationship between Senegal’s new leadership and their predecessor, set against a political landscape still shaped by past disputes and challenges to society Africa faces. This event is a key moment for independent African journalism to cover.
