The return of Macky Sall, nearly two years after leaving office in April 2024, has reopened old wounds. Critics argue that his presence in Dakar is a slap in the face to families of victims who lost loved ones during the protest crackdowns that left dozens dead. Boubacar Sèye, speaking on behalf of a justice collective, called the timing of the visit “indecent,” demanding full investigations into the lethal violence that marred those years.

“This is not just a return—it’s a reminder of one of the darkest chapters in our recent history,” Sèye stated, emphasizing that Sall’s legacy remains tied to the bloodshed. The outrage has extended to the political sphere, with opposition figures like Guy Marius Sagna, a lawmaker in Faye’s coalition, labeling the meeting as an “insult” to victims and political detainees alike.

divided reactions to the high-profile visit

While critics decry the visit, supporters of the former president are mobilizing in force. The Alliance for the Republic (APR), Sall’s former party, has called for large-scale demonstrations in Dakar ahead of the meeting. On social media, Sall himself announced his departure would follow immediately after the closed-door discussion with President Faye.

global ambitions cast a shadow over the controversy

Sall’s visit comes as he vies for the position of United Nations Secretary-General, a candidacy championed by Burundi during its tenure as African Union chair—not by Senegal. The presidency has yet to comment publicly, though Minister of Armed Forces Yankhoba Diémé framed the visit as routine, stressing that Sall “faces no charges or convictions” and is merely returning to his home country.