In Senegal, the anticipated meeting between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his predecessor Macky Sall—scheduled for Dakar to seek Senegal’s backing for Sall’s candidacy for UN Secretary-General—has ignited intense controversy.

A divisive reunion

For the families of victims from the 2021-2024 protests, Sall’s visit reopens deep wounds. Seydi Gassama, who supports 67 presumed victims in their legal battles, argues that the meeting sends a damaging message.

“It’s not Macky Sall’s return to Senegal that shocks us— he’s a citizen with every right to be here,” explains the director of Amnesty International Senegal. What shocks us is that President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, since taking office, has taken no action to deliver justice to the victims of Sall’s regime. No accountability, no reparations—just a warm reception for a man whose legacy is tainted by grave human rights violations. This is simply unacceptable.”

Broken campaign promises

During his election campaign, Bassirou Diomaye Faye pledged justice for protest victims as a national priority. Yet over two years into his presidency, no trials have been held, and compensation remains minimal—a source of frustration for victims’ groups.

Human rights organizations have also condemned the lack of progress. Seydi Gassama insists Sall’s history makes him unfit for a UN leadership role.

APR’s stance

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

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

“Since President Diomaye Faye distanced himself from his original party, Pastef, and is forming a new political movement, notes Samb, this encounter may signal an emerging alliance between his new party and traditional opposition forces. Together, they could form a united front to counter Pastef’s still-strong influence.”

Pastef’s silence

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

This would mark Sall’s first return to Senegal since leaving office in April 2024, following a decade in power.

His UN Secretary-General bid is backed by Burundi—current chair of the African Union (AU)—rather than his own country, Senegal, which in March joined 20 other AU members in rejecting his candidacy to replace António Guterres.