Senegal's ex-president Macky Sall, who is campaigning to become the next UN secretary-general, held a meeting in Dakar with his successor, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. The visit has drawn criticism from Sall's detractors. This marks Sall's first return to Senegal since leaving office in April 2024. He updated Faye on his UN candidacy and committed to keeping the president informed throughout the process.
Sall, who led Senegal between 2012 and 2024, arrived at a military airport in Dakar, where over 1,000 supporters welcomed him. The meeting has caused controversy within Faye's camp, which has been divided since he dismissed prime minister Ousmane Sonko, once a staunch ally.
Sall stands accused by the current government of violent political repression that led to dozens of deaths during his last years in office, and of covering up unfavourable economic data. One of Faye's political advisors, Alioune Ibnou Abitalib Sow, resigned in protest at Sall's visit, accusing him of being responsible for the country's troubles.
Burundi, which holds the rotating African Union presidency, nominated Sall earlier this year for the UN secretary-general position. A collective denouncing the crackdown under Sall described his visit as an 'incident' and demanded answers regarding the deaths that took place during his tenure.
