More than two years after leaving office, former Senegalese President Macky Sall is set to visit Dakar on July 17, where he will meet with current head of state Bassirou Diomaye Faye. The encounter, confirmed through a statement posted on social media by the former president himself, is part of his ongoing diplomatic efforts ahead of his bid for the United Nations Secretary-General position.
In his announcement, Macky Sall expressed gratitude towards President Bassirou Diomaye Faye for granting the audience, emphasizing the importance of consultations in his international campaign. “During my visits related to my candidacy for UN Secretary-General, I will be in Senegal this Friday, July 17, 2026. I deeply appreciate President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye for this meeting and remain grateful to the people of Senegal for their unwavering support since my candidacy was announced,” he stated.
The upcoming meeting has sparked debate, particularly within the most vocal factions of the Pastef movement led by Ousmane Sonko. Critics argue that hosting Macky Sall could imply endorsement of pre-election unrest and questionable management of national economic and financial resources. Meanwhile, supporters view the interaction as a necessary step in Senegal’s diplomatic and political continuity.
It is worth noting that Macky Sall’s bid for the UN’s top administrative role has not been formally endorsed by Senegal’s government but rather by Burundi. His presidency, which spanned from 2012 to 2024, concluded with a move to Marrakech, where he has since intensified international engagements to bolster his candidacy.
