Former Senegalese President Macky Sall will pay an official visit to Dakar on July 17, 2026, where he is set to meet with his successor, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. The encounter follows Sall’s announcement of his candidacy for the position of United Nations Secretary-General, a move that has drawn both attention and controversy within Senegal’s political landscape.

In a statement posted on his social media channels, Sall expressed gratitude for the support of Senegalese citizens and the hospitality of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. “I am deeply honored to have this opportunity to consult with President Faye as part of my consultations ahead of the UN Secretary-General bid,” he noted. His visit to Senegal marks a significant step in his diplomatic outreach ahead of the global nomination process.

The meeting has sparked debate among political factions, particularly within the base of the Pastef party led by Ousmane Sonko. Some observers argue that welcoming Sall could be interpreted as endorsing past controversies, including pre-election violence and concerns over economic governance during his presidency from 2012 to 2024.

It is important to highlight that Sall’s candidacy for the UN post has not been formally endorsed by Senegal but by Burundi. Since leaving office, Sall has been actively engaging with global leaders, positioning himself for the high-profile international role.