By Ebi Kesiena
Former Senegalese President Macky Sall has returned to Senegal for the first time since leaving office in April 2024, holding talks with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye as he seeks the country’s backing for his candidacy for the position of United Nations Secretary-General.
According to the Senegalese Presidency, Sall met President Faye in Dakar to brief him on his campaign for the UN’s top office and pledged to keep the Senegalese leader informed throughout the selection process.
Sall’s bid received a major boost earlier this year after Burundi, the current chair of the African Union (AU), endorsed his candidacy for the global role.
The former president was welcomed by thousands of supporters upon his arrival at a military airport in Dakar. He briefly addressed the crowd before heading to the presidential palace for his meeting with President Faye.
Sall, who served as Senegal’s president from 2012 to 2024, has been residing in Morocco since leaving office. He departed Dakar later the same day after concluding his engagements.
However, the visit sparked sharp criticism from members of the ruling coalition and civil society organisations, who accuse Sall’s administration of political repression during his final years in office. Critics allege that dozens of people were killed during anti-government protests under his presidency and have also accused his government of concealing unfavourable economic data.
The controversy surrounding Sall’s return also highlighted growing tensions within President Faye’s administration, coming shortly after the dismissal of former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko.
In protest against the former president’s visit, one of President Faye’s political advisers, Alioune Ibnou Abitalib Sow, announced his resignation, describing Sall as being responsible for many of Senegal’s current political and economic challenges.
