In a major diplomatic pivot, Senegal has officially endorsed former President Macky Sall in his bid to become the next United Nations Secretary-General, putting aside recent political animosities.
The decision follows a high-profile meeting between Sall and current President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, marking Sall’s first return to Dakar since stepping down from power in 2024.
The endorsement represents a significant shift in posture for President Faye’s administration.
Previously, the government had steadfastly refused to support Sall’s candidacy, accusing his former administration of political repression and misrepresenting economic figures during his final years in office, issues that continue to split the nation politically.
Setting aside those lingering grievances, Senegal’s foreign ministry confirmed that President Faye has instructed the country’s diplomatic missions across the globe to actively campaign for Sall.
The administration framed the decision as a national and continental priority, characterizing the former leader’s candidacy as a bid that serves both Senegal and Africa as a whole.
Sall’s UN nomination was formally introduced earlier this year by Burundi, which currently holds the presidency of the African Union.
However, Sall’s presence back in Dakar has stirred up familiar tensions, reigniting demands from political rivals and activists seeking justice and accountability for the deadly violent unrest that overshadowed the end of his tenure.
