After settling in Morocco since relinquishing office in March 2024, former Senegalese President Macky Sall will return to Dakar on July 17 for a high-level meeting with current Head of State Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

The visit is framed by Sall’s bid for the position of United Nations Secretary-General, a candidacy currently backed by Burundi rather than Senegal. In a statement released this week, Sall outlined his agenda: “As part of ongoing consultations and outreach tied to my candidacy for the UN Secretary-General role, I will travel to Senegal on Friday, July 17, 2026. I extend my deepest gratitude to His Excellency President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye for this meeting. I also warmly thank the Senegalese people for their unwavering support and encouragement since my announcement.”

The announcement has already sparked sharp reactions across Senegal’s political spectrum, particularly within the ranks of the Pastef party led by Ousmane Sonko. Some party figures view the meeting as an endorsement of the pre-election unrest and documented governance failures—including mismanagement of national financial and economic resources—that marked the final years of Sall’s administration. Critics argue that Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s reception of Sall risks legitimizing a controversial legacy.

a career spanning decades in public service

Macky Sall’s political career is deeply rooted in Senegal’s institutions. He served as President from 2012 to 2024, succeeding his political mentor, Abdoulaye Wade. Prior to that, he helmed the National Assembly, reinforcing his influence in legislative affairs. Earlier roles included Prime Minister under President Wade in 2004, following his appointment to replace Idrissa Seck.

Before ascending to the premiership, Sall held key ministerial positions, including Minister of Mines, Energy and Hydraulics (2001–2002), then Minister of State in the same portfolio until 2003. He later served as Minister of State for the Interior and Local Communities, while also acting as government spokesperson from August 2003 to April 2004. Earlier in his career, he led PETROSEN, Senegal’s national oil company.

a global transition from power to diplomacy

Since leaving office, Sall has maintained an active international presence. Based in Marrakech, he has participated in major summits, high-level forums, and bilateral consultations with global leaders, positioning himself as a statesman on the global stage. His upcoming Dakar meeting marks a strategic pivot—transitioning from domestic politics to a campaign for one of the world’s most influential diplomatic roles.