Controversy grows over Diomaye Faye’s meeting with Macky Sall

A planned meeting between Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his predecessor Macky Sall is sparking fierce debate across the country. The gathering, set to take place in Dakar, aims to secure Senegal’s backing for Macky Sall’s bid for the United Nations Secretary-General position.

Reopening old wounds

For families of victims of the 2021-2024 crackdowns, Macky Sall’s return to Senegal reopens deep emotional scars. Seydi Gassama, who represents 67 presumed victims in their legal quests, voices strong opposition to the timing of this encounter.

“Our issue isn’t with Macky Sall returning to Senegal as a private citizen—he has every right to do so,” explains the Senegal Director of Amnesty International. “What shocks us is President Diomaye Faye’s failure to deliver justice for victims of Macky Sall’s regime since taking office. No trials, no meaningful reparations—yet now he welcomes Macky Sall, seemingly to support his UN candidacy. This is unacceptable. Macky Sall bears heavy responsibility for the suffering endured.”

Broken campaign promises

During his own campaign, President Diomaye Faye pledged immediate action to address human rights violations. Yet over two years into his term, no prosecutions have materialized, and compensation remains minimal—a point of bitter disappointment for victims’ groups.

Human rights organizations echo these frustrations, emphasizing that Macky Sall’s controversial legacy makes him an unsuitable candidate for UN leadership. “His past actions are incompatible with the values the UN should uphold,” states Seydi Gassama.

APR’s perspective on the meeting

Leaders of the Alliance for the Republic (APR), Macky Sall’s former party, dismiss criticism from victims’ collectives as exaggerated.

Political analyst Assane Samb suggests the meeting could reshape national reconciliation efforts and Senegal’s political landscape.

“President Diomaye Faye has distanced himself from his original political base, Pastef, and is forming a new party,” he notes. “This meeting may signal the beginning of strategic alliances between his new party and traditional opposition groups—potentially uniting against the still-influential Pastef.”

Pastef’s silent stance

Neither Senegal’s presidency nor Pastef—the party led by Ousmane Sonko—has issued an official statement regarding Macky Sall’s upcoming visit.

This would mark Macky Sall’s first return to Senegal since leaving office in April 2024 after 12 years in power.

His UN candidacy, notably, wasn’t submitted by Senegal as per tradition but by Burundi, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the African Union (AU).

In late March, over twenty AU member states—including Senegal—rejected his bid to succeed António Guterres.