Controversy erupts over Diomaye Faye’s meeting with Macky Sall

In Senegal, the upcoming meeting between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his predecessor Macky Sall has sparked intense debate. Sall is expected in Dakar to seek Senegal’s backing for his candidacy to the United Nations Secretary-General position.

Healing old wounds or reopening them?

For families of victims from the 2021-2024 crackdowns, Sall’s visit reopens deep scars. Seydi Gassama, who represents 67 presumed victims in legal proceedings, views the encounter as deeply troubling.

“It is not Sall’s return to Senegal that shocks us, says the head of Amnesty International Senegal, as a citizen, he has every right to be here. What shocks us is that President Diomaye Faye, despite his promises, has yet to deliver justice for the victims of Sall’s regime. No accountability, no reparations—only a meeting that appears to endorse Sall’s UN ambitions. This is unacceptable. Sall bears heavy responsibility for the suffering endured.”

Broken promises and unfulfilled justice

During his campaign, Diomaye Faye vowed to prioritize justice for victims of state repression. Yet over two years into his presidency, no trials have been held and compensation remains minimal—a source of frustration for victim groups.

Human rights organizations argue that Sall’s candidacy for the UN top post clashes with his controversial legacy. Gassama insists that his past disqualifies him from global leadership.

Political fallout and strategic alliances

Meanwhile, supporters of the ruling Alliance for the Republic (APR) dismiss criticism as exaggerated. Political analyst Assane Samb suggests the meeting could reshape Senegal’s political landscape.

“Diomaye Faye has distanced himself from his original party, Pastef, and is forming a new political movement,” Samb explains. “This encounter may signal efforts to build a broader alliance with traditional opposition parties, creating a united front against Pastef’s enduring influence.”

Silence from key actors

Neither the presidency nor Pastef, led by Ousmane Sonko, has commented on Sall’s planned visit. This would mark his first return to Senegal since leaving office in April 2024.

Sall’s UN bid is unusual: instead of being nominated by his own country, he is backed by Burundi, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the African Union (AU). In late March, over twenty AU member states—including Senegal—rejected his candidacy to replace António Guterres.