In Senegal, the planned meeting between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his predecessor Macky Sall has ignited fierce debate. The latter is visiting Dakar to seek Senegal’s backing for his candidacy to become United Nations secretary-general. Critics argue the timing of this visit is deeply problematic.

Healing old wounds?

Families of victims from the 2021–2024 protest crackdowns describe the visit as a fresh assault on their suffering. Seydi Gassama, who represents 67 presumed victims in legal proceedings, calls the meeting a betrayal of justice.

“It is not Macky Sall’s right to return to Senegal that shocks us—he is a citizen with every right to be here,” states the head of Amnesty International Senegal. “What shocks us is that President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, after taking office, has taken no steps to deliver justice for the victims of Macky Sall’s regime. No accountability, no reparations—only a cordial reception for a leader accused of grave abuses.”

Broken promises on justice

During his election campaign, Bassirou Diomaye Faye pledged to prioritize justice for victims of state violence. Yet over two years into his presidency, no trials have been held and compensation remains minimal. Victim support groups express growing frustration over the lack of action.

Human rights organizations warn that Sall’s UN candidacy tarnishes the credibility of Senegal’s justice system. Gassama insists his human rights record disqualifies him from global leadership.

Political fallout feared

Analysts suggest the meeting may reshape Senegal’s political landscape. Assane Samb, a political commentator, sees potential realignments ahead.

“Since President Faye distanced himself from his original party, Pastef, and is forming a new political movement, this encounter could signal a strategic alliance between his new party and traditional opposition forces,” Samb explains. “They may unite against the still-powerful Pastef, reshaping the balance of political power in Senegal.”

No official response yet

Neither Senegal’s presidency nor Pastef—the party led by Ousmane Sonko—has publicly reacted to Sall’s announced visit. This would mark his first return to Senegal since leaving office in April 2024.

His UN candidacy was not submitted by Senegal, as is customary, but by Burundi, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the African Union (AU). In late March, around twenty AU member states—including Senegal—rejected Sall’s bid to replace António Guterres.