Senegal reverses stance, backs ex-president Macky Sall's UN bid

Senegal has officially thrown its support behind former President Macky Sall's bid to become the next United Nations Secretary-General, marking a dramatic policy shift. The announcement came just days after Sall met President Bassirou Diomaye Faye during his first visit to Dakar since leaving office in 2024.

Until now, Faye's government had refused to endorse Sall, accusing his administration of political repression and concealing economic data during his final years in power. Those allegations remain a source of deep political division, according to reports.

On Monday, the foreign ministry announced that Faye had decided Senegal would "lend its full support" to Sall's candidacy. The ministry said Faye had "instructed the government and entire Senegalese diplomatic network to promote his candidacy among UN member states," adding that Sall's bid is "now that of Senegal" and would benefit "Africa and more effective multilateralism."

Sall, who was president from 2012 to 2024, was nominated earlier this year by Burundi, the current African Union chair. However, around 20 AU member states, including Senegal, initially refused to back him, according to reports.

His return to Dakar on Friday drew thousands of supporters but also criticism from detractors demanding accountability for the dozens of deaths during his time in office. The Pastef party, led by Ousmane Sonko, remains opposed to Sall's candidacy, holding him responsible for violence that left nearly 80 people dead during protests in 2021 and 2023.

Coverage comparison

Reports from Africa News and FRANCE 24 describe the same sequence of events: the initial refusal, Friday's meeting between Faye and Sall, and the subsequent endorsement. The coverage differs in emphasis: one account frames the decision as a "turning point" in relations between the two men, while another highlights the "dramatic policy shift" and the ongoing political divisions.

Key claims

  • Senegal's government announced on Monday that it would support Macky Sall's candidacy for UN Secretary-General, reversing its earlier refusal.
  • President Bassirou Diomaye Faye met with Sall on Friday during Sall's first trip to Dakar since leaving office in 2024.
  • The foreign ministry said Faye had instructed Senegal's diplomatic missions to promote Sall's candidacy among UN member states.
  • Burundi, as African Union chair, nominated Sall earlier this year to replace outgoing UN leader Antonio Guterres.
  • Around 20 AU member states, including Senegal, initially refused to back Sall's candidacy.
  • Critics, including the Pastef party, accuse Sall of political repression and covering up unfavorable economic data during his presidency.

Perspectives

Government of Senegal

President Faye's decision to back Sall's candidacy is presented as a strategic move, with the foreign ministry framing it as serving both Senegal and Africa. The ministry said the bid would benefit "Africa and more effective multilateralism."

Political analyst Moussa Balde

According to Balde, coordinator of the Republican Academics Networks, home support is crucial when seeking a higher position, especially in global institutions like the United Nations. He said that more than 40 African countries were already backing the candidacy and that Senegal's endorsement could lead to unanimous support across Africa.

Opposition (Pastef party and other detractors)

Opponents, including the Pastef party led by Ousmane Sonko, remain critical of Sall's candidacy, holding him responsible for deadly violence during protests in 2021 and 2023. They are demanding accountability for the dozens of deaths during his time in office.