Following his exit from power in March 2024, former Senegalese President Macky Sall has announced his return to Dakar on July 17, where he will meet with current Head of State Bassirou Diomaye Faye. The visit, he explained, is part of his ongoing efforts to secure the position of United Nations Secretary-General.
In a statement released ahead of his trip, Sall expressed his gratitude to President Faye for the scheduled meeting, calling it an opportunity to strengthen ties between Senegal and the international community. He also thanked the Senegalese people for their unwavering support since he declared his candidacy. “As I undertake consultations and visits in connection with my candidacy for the role of UN Secretary-General, I will travel to Senegal on Friday, July 17, 2026,” he stated. “I am deeply grateful to His Excellency President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye for this meeting and to the people of Senegal for their continued encouragement.”
political reactions and controversies
The announcement has already sparked debate within Senegal’s political landscape, particularly among members of the Pastef party led by Ousmane Sonko. Some critics argue that welcoming Sall could be seen as an endorsement of the pre-election unrest and alleged financial mismanagement during his tenure. Notably, Sall’s UN bid was not officially endorsed by Senegal but by Burundi, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
a career marked by leadership milestones
Macky Sall served as President of Senegal from 2012 to 2024, succeeding his political mentor, Abdoulaye Wade. Before assuming the highest office, he held several key positions, including Prime Minister in 2004, following the tenure of Idrissa Seck. Earlier in his career, he served as President of Senegal’s National Assembly, replacing Wade in that role as well.
His portfolio in government was diverse, beginning as Minister of Mines, Energy, and Hydraulics from 2001 to 2002. He later held the title of Minister of State for Mines, Energy, and Hydraulics until 2003, before transitioning to Minister of State overseeing Interior and Local Communities—while also serving as government spokesperson. Prior to his political career, Sall was Director General of PETROSEN, the national petroleum company.
post-presidency and international engagement
Since leaving office and relocating to Marrakech, Sall has remained highly active on the global stage. He has participated in numerous international summits and high-level meetings, engaging in strategic dialogues with world leaders to advance his diplomatic and professional objectives.