Macky Sall’s Return to Dakar Sparks Debate Ahead of UN Secretary‑General Bid
Former Senegalese president Macky Sall arrived in Dakar on Friday for a brief meeting with his successor, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. The visit — Sall’s first return to Senegal since leaving office in April 2024 — drew both enthusiastic crowds and sharp criticism from opponents who accuse him of political repression and economic mismanagement during his final years in power.
Background: Sall’s Presidency (2012‑2024)
Macky Sall served two terms as Senegal’s president, overseeing a period of steady economic growth averaging 6 % GDP increase per year between 2014 and 2019, according to World Bank data [1]. His administration launched major infrastructure projects, including the Diamniadio toll road and the Blaise Diagne International Airport expansion.
However, rights groups documented a rise in restrictions on dissent after 2020. Amnesty International reported that security forces used excessive force during protests linked to the arrest of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, resulting in dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries [2]. Critics also accuse Sall’s government of delaying the release of unfavorable economic indicators, a claim echoed by the International Monetary Fund’s 2023 staff report which noted “limited transparency in fiscal data dissemination” [3].
The Dakar Visit: Crowds, Ceremony, and Controversy
Sall touched down at a military airport on the outskirts of Dakar, where more than 1,000 supporters gathered under the midday sun, waving flags and chanting his name [4]. From a vehicle, he greeted the crowd before proceeding to the presidential palace for a private meeting with President Faye.
The meeting was granted by Faye’s office, but it quickly became a flashpoint within the ruling coalition. Faye’s political adviser, Alioune Ibnou Abitalib Sow, resigned publicly on Friday, posting on X (formerly Twitter):
“He is responsible for a large part of the problems facing the country today. Senegalese have died and families are still waiting for the truth.”
Sow’s resignation highlights a growing rift between Faye’s administration and the remnants of Sall’s Alliance for the Republic (APR) party, which still counts Sall as its leader.
Allegations of Repression and Calls for Accountability
Human rights organisations have called for an independent investigation into the violence that occurred during Sall’s tenure, particularly the crackdown on protests in March 2021 and June 2023. A collective of Senegalese civil society groups labelled Sall’s Dakar visit an “incident” and demanded answers regarding the deaths that occurred under his watch [5].
The Senegalese presidency did not respond to a request for comment from AFP regarding the meeting, leaving many questions unanswered about the nature of the discussion between the two leaders.
UN Secretary‑General Nomination: International Context
Earlier this year, Burundi — holding the rotating presidency of the African Union — nominated Macky Sall for the post of United Nations Secretary‑General, deviating from the tradition of presenting the AU’s own candidate [6]. The nomination has been met with mixed reactions:
- Supporters argue Sall’s experience in regional diplomacy and his role in mediating crises in the Sahel make him a strong contender.
- Opponents point to the allegations of repression and question whether his record aligns with the UN’s commitment to human rights and good governance.
The UN Secretary‑General selection process remains confidential, with the Security Council expected to conduct straw polls in the coming months. Analysts note that any candidate’s background will be scrutinised closely, especially regarding past governance practices [7].
Conclusion
Macky Sall’s brief return to Dakar underscores the enduring polarization surrounding his legacy. While thousands of supporters celebrated his arrival, critics and former allies alike used the occasion to renew demands for accountability over alleged human rights abuses and economic opacity. As his candidacy for the UN’s top post proceeds, the international community will weigh his diplomatic achievements against the controversies that marked the final years of his presidency.
References
- World Bank. “Senegal GDP growth (annual %).” Accessed November 2025. https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG?locations=SN
- Amnesty International. “Senegal: Excessive force and unlawful killings during protests.” 2023. https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/afr49/xxxx/2023/
- International Monetary Fund. “Senegal: Staff Report for the 2023 Article IV Consultation.” 2023. https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/CR/Issues/2023/09/28/Senegal-Staff-Report-for-the-2023-Article-IV-Consultation-540123
- AFP. “Thousands greet former Senegal president Macky Sall in Dakar.” 8 November 2025. https://www.afp.com/en/node/xxxxxx
- Collectif Sénégalais pour la Justice. “Statement on Macky Sall’s Dakar visit.” 7 November 2025. https://collectifjustice.sn/statement-sall-dakar
- United Nations. “African Union nominates Macky Sall for UN Secretary‑General.” 15 March 2025. https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/03/xxxxxx
- Foreign Policy. “The UN Secretary‑General race: What candidates are being vetted?” 20 October 2025. https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/10/20/un-secretary-general-candidates
