Omanghana
Former Senegalese President Macky Sall is set to return to Dakar on Friday, July 17, 2026, for his first visit to Senegal since leaving office as he seeks his country’s official backing for his campaign to become the next United Nations Secretary-General.
The brief visit is expected to carry significant political symbolism as Sall meets his successor, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, amid strained relations between the former and current administrations.
Three-Hour Visit Focused on Presidential Meeting
Sall is expected to arrive in Dakar in the afternoon and remain in the country for approximately three hours.
His only scheduled engagement is a high-level meeting with President Faye at the presidential palace, where he is expected to seek Dakar’s support for his UN leadership ambitions.
The visit is aimed at ending Senegal’s silence over his candidacy and securing formal national endorsement.
Earlier, Senegal was among 20 countries that opposed an African Union (AU) endorsement of Sall’s bid, arguing that the process had not involved sufficient consultation with member states.
Following his meeting in Dakar, Sall is expected to depart immediately for the United States as part of his ongoing international campaign efforts.
Tensions Remain Over Sall’s Presidency
The former president’s return comes against the backdrop of deep political divisions surrounding his time in office.
Relations between Sall and the current government remain tense due to several unresolved controversies, including allegations of financial mismanagement and political repression.
Public Debt Controversy
Senegal’s Court of Auditors recently reported that the previous administration significantly understated the country’s public debt levels, with estimates suggesting that actual borrowing may have been between $7 billion and $13 billion higher than officially reported.
Sall has rejected allegations of wrongdoing and has denied responsibility for any financial misconduct.
2024 Election Crisis
Sall remains a controversial figure among many Senegalese citizens following his attempt to postpone the 2024 presidential election, a move critics described as unconstitutional.
The decision triggered widespread protests and deadly clashes, further deepening political divisions ahead of the eventual transfer of power.
Calls for Accountability
Human rights organizations and the Collective of Victims of Macky Sall’s Regime have urged that the former president’s international ambitions should not overshadow domestic demands for accountability.
The groups have called for investigations into alleged state violence and crackdowns on opposition supporters during Sall’s presidency.
Campaign to Lead the United Nations
Sall, who currently resides in Morocco, entered the race to succeed António Guterres after receiving an official nomination from Burundi.
If selected by the UN Security Council and approved by the UN General Assembly, Sall would assume office on January 1, 2027, becoming only the third African to serve as United Nations Secretary-General.
He faces competition from several prominent international figures, including former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet and Argentine diplomat Rafael Grossi.
Sall’s upcoming visit to Dakar is therefore viewed as a crucial step in his campaign, as he attempts to secure support at home while navigating the political divisions left behind by his presidency.
Source: Omanghana
