Two and a half years after leaving office, former Senegalese President Macky Sall will make an official visit to Dakar on July 17, 2026, where he will meet with current President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. The meeting, announced by Sall himself on social media, is part of his campaign for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations.
In a statement, Sall expressed gratitude to President Faye for the invitation and acknowledged the unwavering support he has received from the Senegalese people since declaring his candidacy. “I will travel to Senegal to hold consultations with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye in preparation for my UN Secretary-General bid,” he wrote. “I am deeply grateful to the people of Senegal for their continued encouragement.”
News of the meeting has sparked mixed reactions across the country. Supporters of the ruling PASTEF party, particularly its most vocal factions, have voiced strong opposition. Some critics argue that welcoming Sall could be interpreted as condoning the pre-election unrest and alleged mismanagement of national economic resources that marked his presidency.
It’s worth noting that Sall’s UN candidacy is not backed by Senegal but by Burundi. His presidency from 2012 to 2024 was marked by significant international engagements, including multiple meetings with global leaders to bolster his profile for the UN role. Since leaving office, he has remained active on the global stage, positioning himself as a strong candidate for the prestigious position.