On Monday, July 20, Senegal reversed its stance and announced its support for the United Nations (UN) candidacy of former president Macky Sall. This shift comes just three days after a meeting in Dakar between the former leader and his successor, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, as confirmed by an official government statement.

Until now, Dakar had not endorsed Macky Sall’s bid, despite his prior leadership of Senegal from 2012 to 2024. Notably, his candidacy was not submitted by his home country—a departure from customary practice—but instead by Burundi, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the African Union (AU).

In late March, over two dozen African Union member states—including Senegal—publicly rejected Macky Sall’s bid to succeed António Guterres as UN secretary-general.

The current Senegalese government, which took office in April 2024, has accused Macky Sall of overseeing a harsh crackdown on opposition protests between 2021 and 2024, resulting in dozens of fatalities across the country.

Yet Dakar’s reversal follows a brief visit by Macky Sall to the capital, where he was met by thousands of supporters. His arrival sparked criticism from opponents, who demand accountability for the scores of homicides recorded during his tenure.

A candidacy “for the service of Africa”

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has officially declared that Senegal will now fully endorse Macky Sall’s candidacy for UN secretary-general, as outlined in a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The president has instructed the government and Senegal’s diplomatic network to mobilize fully in promoting this candidacy among UN member states.

The candidacy is now framed as Senegal’s commitment to advancing Africa’s interests and strengthening multilateralism worldwide.

More than two years after leaving office in April 2024, Macky Sall returned to Dakar last Friday, where he was greeted by large crowds. His visit drew sharp rebukes from critics, who continue to demand transparency over the dozens of killings that occurred during his presidency.

The current administration also accuses him of concealing a significant portion of the national debt, which has since worsened the country’s economic strain.