A group representing victims of political repression under former Senegalese President Macky Sall has condemned his return to Dakar, where he is expected to meet President Bassirou Diomaye Faye as part of efforts to secure support for his bid to become the next United Nations Secretary-General. The visit has sparked renewed political tensions, with critics arguing that Sall’s international ambitions should not overshadow unresolved allegations of human rights abuses during his presidency. The current Senegalese administration has accused Sall’s government of using excessive force against opposition demonstrations between 2021 and 2024. The protests, many of which were linked to the legal troubles of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, resulted in dozens of deaths and widespread arrests, according to rights organizations.
Guy Marius Sagna, a member of Senegal’s parliamentary majority, said Sall’s return was deeply painful for victims and their families. “This visit is a third assassination, a third act of torture, a third imprisonment for all the victims between 2021 and 2024,” Sagna said, reflecting the concerns of groups seeking accountability for the violence. Sall’s visit comes as he seeks regional backing for his campaign to replace António Guterres as UN Secretary-General when the current UN chief’s second term expires at the end of 2026.
Earlier this year, Burundi formally nominated Sall for the position, according to a United Nations spokesperson. However, his candidacy has yet to receive official endorsement from Senegal, and he previously failed to secure the backing of the African Union. Beyond allegations related to the protest crackdown, Senegal’s current government has also accused Sall’s administration of concealing the country’s true fiscal position before leaving office in 2024, claims the former president has denied. Political analysts say the meeting between Sall and President Faye could influence both Senegal’s position on his UN candidacy and broader efforts to ease political tensions following the country’s 2024 transition of power.
