Macky Sall’s swift and strategic return to Senegal ahead of un bid

On Friday, July 17, at 3:00 PM, a special flight carrying former President Macky Sall landed at the Dakar military airport, marking a swift and strategically timed return to the country he once led for twelve years.

The visit was anything but casual. Within hours of touchdown, Macky Sall met with the current president at the Presidential Palace, before departing for New York by evening. This was not a mere courtesy call, as observers noted. The former head of state arrived as a candidate for the United Nations Secretary-General position, seeking support that had previously been denied by Senegal.

His return, however, has stirred mixed reactions. While some view him as a statesman advancing his international career, others recall his controversial legacy. Accusations of hidden public debt and allegations of political violence between 2021 and 2024 have left a lasting impression. Critics, particularly from the Pastef party—winners of the 2024 presidential election—demand accountability from former officials, though Macky Sall has not been directly implicated in any ongoing legal proceedings.

The timing of his visit suggests a calculated move. With Senegal’s political landscape still adjusting to recent changes, his presence—brief yet high-profile—highlights his ambition to regain influence on the global stage.