As Senegal’s political landscape remains fragile, the announcement of Macky Sall’s return has sent shockwaves through civil society groups demanding accountability. Critics argue that welcoming the former leader amounts to an affront to justice for the victims of state violence during his tenure.

Thursday, July 16, Boubacar Sèye, spokesperson for a victims’ rights collective, condemned the visit as “an affront to human dignity”. “We will not tolerate impunity. The deaths of dozens during those protests demand answers,” he declared. Sèye emphasized that Sall’s return symbolizes “the persistence of a dark chapter” in Senegal’s recent history.

A nation divided

Opposition figures have also voiced outrage. Guy Marius Sagna, a lawmaker aligned with the ruling coalition, called the meeting “an insult to every family that lost loved ones and to political prisoners still behind bars.” His statement underscores the deep rifts within Senegalese society over how to address the legacy of the past.

Meanwhile, supporters of the former president are mobilizing. The Alliance for the Republic (APR), Sall’s former party, has called for massive public demonstrations in Dakar. Social media posts from Sall himself indicate he intends to depart “immediately after” his scheduled discussion with Faye.

A backdrop of global ambitions

The timing of this visit raises additional questions. Sall is currently campaigning for the position of United Nations Secretary-General, a bid spearheaded by Burundi rather than Senegal itself. While the presidency has yet to comment publicly, Defense Minister Yankhoba Diémé has dismissed concerns, stating that Sall’s arrival is “a routine personal visit”. He added that the former president “faces no legal proceedings or convictions,” implying no barriers to his return.