The announcement of a meeting between Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and former President Macky Sall in Dakar has triggered intense debate. The former leader, who governed from 2012 to 2024, is expected to visit the capital to seek Senegal’s backing for his candidacy to become the next United Nations Secretary-General.

Justice delayed, wounds reopened

The families of victims from the 2021–2024 crackdown on protests have condemned the timing of Sall’s visit, arguing it reopens old wounds. Seydi Gassama, who represents the families of 67 alleged victims in court, called the meeting a betrayal of justice.

“What shocks us isn’t Macky Sall’s return to Senegal—he’s a citizen with every right to be here,” said the director of Amnesty International Senegal. “What’s unacceptable is President Diomaye Faye’s failure to deliver justice for the victims of Sall’s regime. After all this time, no trials have been held, no reparations paid. Now, he’s welcoming Sall, signaling support for his UN bid. This sends the wrong message.” He added, “Macky Sall bears heavy responsibility for the suffering endured.”

Broken promises on accountability

During his election campaign, Bassirou Diomaye Faye vowed to prioritize justice for victims of political repression. Yet over two years into his presidency, no major trials have begun, and compensation remains minimal—a point of frustration for victims’ groups.

Human rights organizations have also criticized the lack of progress. Gassama emphasized that Sall’s past makes him unfit for a leadership role at the UN, where accountability should be a cornerstone.

Political fallout feared

The Alliance for the Republic (APR), Sall’s former party, dismissed criticisms from victims’ groups as exaggerated. Political analyst Assane Samb warned that the upcoming meeting could reshape Senegal’s reconciliation process and political landscape.

“President Diomaye Faye has distanced himself from his original party, Pastef, and is forming a new political movement,” Samb noted. “This meeting may signal an attempt to forge alliances with traditional opposition parties, creating a united front against Pastef’s still-strong influence.”

Silence from key players

Neither the Senegalese presidency nor Pastef, the party led by opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, has commented on Sall’s planned visit. This would mark his first return to Senegal since leaving office in April 2024.

Sall’s UN candidacy is unusual—Senegal did not nominate him, as is customary. Instead, Burundi, the current chair of the African Union, put forward his name. In late March, over 20 AU member states, including Senegal, rejected his bid to replace António Guterres.