Dakar, Senegal — July 18, 2026 Senegal’s former President, Macky Sall, returned to the country this week for his first visit since stepping down in April 2024, amidst a backdrop of controversy. His trip, which was intended to bolster his campaign for the position of UN Secretary-General, has sparked mixed reactions, with some welcoming his return and others, including President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s advisor, Alioune Ibnou Abitalib Sow, who resigned in protest, accusing Sall of being responsible for many of the country’s current troubles.
The meeting with his successor, President Faye, was met with criticism, given the political tensions and allegations of Sall’s involvement in past controversies. Sall’s presidency, from 2012 to 2024, was characterized by economic growth, but it was also marred by accusations of political repression and allegations of covering up economic data.
The visit to Senegal, where Sall sought to rally support for his UN bid, was not endorsed by the Senegalese government. Despite this, his supporters turned out in large numbers at a military airport in Dakar, with over 1,000 gathered to welcome him. Critics of the visit, including some within the government and the public, have expressed concern over the timing and nature of Sall’s return.
The meeting with President Faye has also ignited debate within the ruling party, which has been divided since the dismissal of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, once a staunch ally of Sall.
The Senegalese government’s stance on Sall’s UN bid remains unclear, with no official endorsement despite the African Union’s support. This has led to diplomatic rivalries over the selection of Guterres’s successor, with Senegal distancing itself from the AU’s position.
As Sall continues his campaign for the UN position, his return to Senegal and the meeting with President Faye have underscored the complex political landscape in the country.
The debate over his tenure and the future of Senegalese politics is expected to remain a focal point as the country navigates its next phase of leadership. Kicker: The future of Sall’s UN bid hangs in the balance, with the Senegalese government yet to endorse his candidacy. His recent visit and meeting have brought to the fore the ongoing political tensions and the challenges that lie ahead for both leaders as they strive to navigate Senegal’s political terrain.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africanews
Source: Rédaction Africanews
