Sall arrived in Senegal on Friday for a meeting with Faye amid growing debate over Sall’s candidacy for the UN’ top post. Burundi has nominated Sall to succeed current UN Secretary-General António Guterres when Guterres’ term comes to an end.
Senegalese Political Analyst Amadou Camara Gueye said the meeting between Sall and Faye could prove important in determining whether Senegal officially supports the candidacy.
According to Gueye, many observers expect Faye to back Sall despite political differences that emerged after the 2024 election.
Gueye noted that Senegal has previously united behind former leaders seeking international positions, citing former President Abdoulaye Wade’s eventual support for Abdou Diouf’s successful campaign to lead the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie. “Many analysts think that Diomaye will support Macky Sall’s candidacy,” Gueye said.
However, Gueye said support across Africa remains uncertain. Some countries have reportedly questioned whether it is the appropriate time for another Senegalese candidate to occupy a major international leadership position.
The candidacy has also become highly controversial within Senegal because of allegations relating to Sall’s handling of opposition protests between 2021 and 2024.
Groups representing victims and supporters of the ruling Pastef party have criticised Sall’s return and questioned whether Sall is a suitable candidate for the UN’s highest office.
According to Gueye, opponents argue that violence during the political unrest left dozens of people dead, while many others were injured or detained. “His candidacy divides the country,” Gueye said.
Gueye said some civil society groups and families of victims believe unresolved questions surrounding the political repression allegations should be addressed before Sall seeks an international leadership role.
Critics argue that the deaths, arrests and injuries that occurred during the pre-election tensions remain a stain on Sall’s record and undermine claims that Sall should represent Africa on the global stage.
At the same time, supporters within Sall’s Alliance for the Republic party have welcomed the nomination and are urging Senegalese leaders to unite behind the campaign.
According to Gueye, supporters view the candidacy as an opportunity to strengthen Africa’s influence within international institutions rather than as a domestic political issue. “They are calling for national unity in Senegal behind Sall’s candidacy for the UN,” Gueye said.
–UN/ChannelAfrica–
