Senegal’s former president Macky Sall to meet current leader Diomaye Faye

Dakar is set to welcome a significant political figure this Friday as Macky Sall, who served as President from 2012 to 2024, arrives in the capital for a brief visit. The highlight of his trip will be a scheduled meeting with the current head of state, Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

The timing of this encounter carries particular weight as Macky Sall pursues an ambitious international candidacy. The former president is actively campaigning for the position of United Nations Secretary-General, a role currently held by António Guterres. While pursuing this global opportunity, Sall still requires official endorsement from his home country.

Senegal’s stance on Sall’s UN candidacy remains unclear

Despite Macky Sall submitting his formal application back in February, Senegal has yet to take an official position on his candidacy. As recently as March, government sources confirmed that Dakar had neither supported nor initiated Sall’s UN bid. This ambiguity persists despite the former president’s diplomatic efforts to secure backing for his campaign.

Political tensions in Senegal could influence the outcome

The backdrop of Senegal’s political landscape adds complexity to this situation. Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who succeeded Sall in office, faces internal challenges following a public rift with his former Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko. This division within the ruling coalition has created an unpredictable environment where unexpected shifts could occur.

Adding to the tension are renewed calls from civil society groups demanding accountability for alleged human rights violations during Macky Sall‘s administration. These developments create a delicate scenario for the upcoming meeting, where both leaders will need to navigate sensitive domestic issues alongside Sall’s international ambitions.