In Senegal, the planned meeting between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his predecessor Macky Sall—expected in Dakar to seek Senegal’s backing for Sall’s candidacy for UN Secretary-General—has sparked intense debate.

A meeting that reopens old wounds

For families of victims from the 2021–2024 protests, Sall’s visit has reopened painful memories. Seydi Gassama, representing 67 presumed victims in legal proceedings, calls the meeting a betrayal of justice.

“It’s not Sall’s return to Senegal that shocks us, explains the director of Amnesty International Senegal. As a citizen, he has every right to be here. What’s unacceptable is that President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, despite his promises, has taken no action to deliver justice for the regime’s victims. No trials, no reparations—just silence. Today, he welcomes Sall to endorse his UN bid. This is a slap in the face to those who suffered.”

Broken campaign promises

During his campaign, Bassirou Diomaye Faye vowed to prioritize justice for victims. Yet over two years into his term, no prosecutions have occurred, and compensation remains minimal—a source of frustration for victim groups.

Human rights organizations also criticize the lack of progress. Gassama argues Sall’s past disqualifies him from leading the UN.

The APR’s perspective

Leaders of the Alliance for the Republic (APR), Sall’s former party, dismiss criticism as exaggerated.

Political analyst Assane Samb warns the meeting could reshape Senegal’s reconciliation process and political landscape.

“Diomaye Faye has distanced himself from his original party, Pastef, to form his own,” Samb notes. “This could signal a strategic alliance between his new party and traditional opposition groups—creating a united front against Pastef’s still-significant influence.”

What about Pastef?

Neither Senegal’s presidency nor Pastef—led by Ousmane Sonko—has commented on Sall’s announced visit.

This would mark Sall’s first return to Senegal since leaving office in April 2024. His UN candidacy, unendorsed by his own country, was proposed by Burundi, current chair of the African Union (AU). In late March, over 20 AU members—including Senegal—rejected his bid to replace António Guterres.