Senegal: Ex-president Sall arrives back for meeting with successor

A Controversial Return

Former Senegalese President Macky Sall's return to Dakar on Friday, his first since stepping down in April 2024, was met with a mixed reception. While over a thousand supporters gathered at a military airport and later flocked to the presidential palace to welcome him, the visit immediately drew sharp criticism from detractors. Sall's current government successor, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, granted the meeting, a decision that has ignited a firestorm within Faye's own political coalition. Accusations against Sall include violent political repression during his final years in office, which reportedly led to dozens of deaths, and allegations of concealing unfavorable economic data.

The controversy escalated with the resignation of Alioune Ibnou Abitalib Sow, one of President Faye's political advisors, who publicly protested the visit on X. Sow explicitly blamed Sall for a significant portion of the country's current troubles, emphasizing that families are still seeking truth regarding the deaths that occurred under his leadership. A collective group dedicated to denouncing the crackdown during Sall's presidency has labeled his visit an "incident" and is demanding accountability for the fatalities during his tenure. The Senegalese presidency has remained silent on the matter, declining to comment on the meeting.

Political Realignment in Dakar

The timing and nature of this meeting suggest a potential realignment within Senegal's political landscape. President Faye's decision to meet with Sall comes shortly after he dismissed Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, a once-staunch ally, leading to divisions within his own camp. Given that Sonko and Sall are described as arch-rivals, Faye's outreach to his predecessor could be interpreted as a strategic move to seek political support from new quarters. This maneuver might aim to consolidate power or create new alliances in the wake of internal dissent, potentially reshaping the dynamics of Senegalese governance.

Such a meeting, despite the public outcry and internal dissent, could be an attempt by Faye to project an image of national unity or to leverage Sall's experience and influence. However, it risks alienating his core support base, which largely came to power on a platform critical of Sall's administration. The political implications for Faye's nascent government are significant, as he navigates the complexities of governing while balancing the demands of his allies and the expectations of a populace still grappling with the legacy of the previous administration.

Sall's International Ambitions

Macky Sall's return to Senegal is not merely a domestic political event; it is also intertwined with his international aspirations. Sall, who has been residing in Morocco since leaving office, announced his intention to travel to Dakar specifically for this meeting. Earlier this year, Burundi, which holds the rotating African Union presidency, nominated Sall for the prestigious position of UN Secretary-General. This nomination was notable as it came from Burundi rather than his own country, which would have been the customary procedure.

His meeting with President Faye, despite the domestic controversy, could be an attempt to demonstrate continued relevance and influence within his home country, potentially bolstering his international profile. A perceived smooth transition or a show of political maturity, even amidst criticism, could be beneficial for his UN bid. However, the strong accusations of political repression and the public demand for answers regarding deaths during his presidency could also complicate his international campaign, as human rights records are often scrutinized for such high-profile global roles. Sall has stated he would leave Dakar "immediately" after his meeting with Faye, underscoring the brief and perhaps strategic nature of his visit.