In Senegal, the scheduled meeting between current President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his predecessor Macky Sall has sparked considerable controversy. Families of those affected by political repression during Sall’s administration express profound anger, viewing the visit as an affront while their demands for justice and reparations remain unaddressed. This significant political event in West Africa has raised questions about its implications for Senegalese politics and national reconciliation.

Why has this meeting become such a flashpoint? What potential impacts could it have on Senegal’s political landscape? To shed light on these critical questions, political analyst Assane Samb offered his insights. He first discussed the broader meaning of this encounter within Senegal’s current political climate.

Interview with Assane Samb

Assane Samb indicated that this meeting, despite some vocal opposition, was largely anticipated.

With Macky Sall now a candidate for the United Nations Secretary-General position, it became unthinkable for his candidacy to be solely championed by other African nations, such as Burundi. The involvement of the Chinese President, who played a crucial role in this process, created a context where diplomatic reconciliation became essential.

The two leaders were compelled to smooth over their differences, driven by these broader international considerations. 

DW : And why does this visit provoke such strong reactions, particularly from victims’ associations and segments of civil society?

This is directly linked to the specific period we experienced between 2021 and 2024. During that time, there were intense street clashes between demonstrators and defense and security forces. Essentially, the populace was engaged in what felt like a revolutionary dynamic at that point.

DW : Many organizations, including Amnesty, believe that the former President bears responsibility, as he was the guarantor of public security and the exercise of freedoms, notably the right to protest. Mr. Samb, is President Faye facing a dilemma between the state’s diplomatic imperatives and his political base’s expectations for justice today?

When he was still part of Pastef, indeed, he was hesitant to openly endorse Macky Sall. Now that he has severed those ties, he no longer feels constrained. That situation has changed.

DW : To what extent might Macky Sall’s candidacy for the UN Secretary-General position further polarize the political debate in Senegal?

In reality, the calculations extend beyond the victims, even though we speak of martyrs and their suffering. What is truly happening is that people genuinely fear Macky Sall’s return, driven by underlying political considerations.

DW : What could be the effects of this meeting, both on the national reconciliation process and on Senegal’s international image?

On the international stage, this meeting will undoubtedly be widely welcomed, particularly by African heads of state.

However, domestically, it is clear that the bipolarization of the political landscape will only intensify further.