Former Senegalese leader Macky Sall scheduled for July 17 meeting with President Faye

Following his departure from office in March 2024, former Senegalese President Macky Sall will return to Dakar on Friday, July 17 for an official audience with current Head of State Bassirou Diomaye Faye. The encounter is part of his ongoing international consultations ahead of his candidacy for the position of United Nations Secretary-General.

In a statement released by his office, Macky Sall expressed his gratitude to President Bassirou Diomaye Faye for the meeting opportunity and extended his appreciation to the Senegalese people for their continuous support since announcing his candidacy. “As I continue my consultations and visits in connection with my candidacy for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations, I will be in Senegal on Friday, July 17. I deeply thank His Excellency President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye for this opportunity and extend my heartfelt gratitude to the people of Senegal for their unwavering encouragement,” he stated.

The announcement of this meeting has already sparked debate within Senegal’s political landscape, particularly among members of the PASTEF party led by Ousmane Sonko. Some activists argue that welcoming Macky Sall implies endorsing the alleged pre-election violence and governance shortcomings that marked his administration, including mismanagement of economic and financial resources. Notably, Macky Sall‘s UN candidacy was not officially submitted by Senegal but by Burundi.

From political mentor to president: Macky Sall’s career trajectory

Macky Sall served as President of Senegal from 2012 to 2024, succeeding his political mentor, Abdoulaye Wade. Prior to that, he held the role of President of the National Assembly. Earlier in his career, he served as Prime Minister, replacing Idrissa Seck in 2004.

Before ascending to these leadership positions, Macky Sall held key ministerial roles, including:

• Minister of Mines, Energy, and Hydraulics (May 2001 – November 2002)
• Minister of State for Mines, Energy, and Hydraulics (November 2002 – August 2003)
• Minister of State for the Interior and Local Communities, Government Spokesperson (August 2003 – April 2004)
• Managing Director of PETROSEN (Senegal’s national oil company)

Since leaving office and relocating to Marrakech, Macky Sall has remained highly engaged on the international stage. He has actively participated in high-level summits and bilateral meetings, engaging with global leaders to strengthen diplomatic ties and advance his UN candidacy.

The political fallout of Sall’s return to Dakar

While Macky Sall frames his visit as a routine part of his international consultations, critics view it as a potential challenge to the current administration’s legitimacy. Opponents highlight his administration’s controversial decisions, particularly around the 2024 election process, which was marred by allegations of repression and irregularities. Some political observers suggest that this meeting could reignite public debate over governance, accountability, and Senegal’s role in regional and global affairs.