Senegal: In Dakar, Macky Sall Seeks Bassirou Diomaye Faye's Support for UN Candidacy

A Pragmatic Alliance Amidst Controversy

The visit of former Senegalese President Macky Sall to Dakar, seeking support for his UN Secretary-General candidacy from his successor, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, is a highly charged event. Analysts like Falilou Coundoul from "Social-Democratic Pragmatism" suggest that this alliance, though seemingly unlikely given their past political rivalry, offers strategic advantages for both. For Sall, securing his home country's endorsement is crucial to legitimize and strengthen his international bid, correcting the "anomaly" of a candidacy without national backing. This support would elevate his standing on the global stage, positioning him as a credible representative for Africa.

On the other hand, President Faye, still consolidating his power after a tumultuous election, stands to gain domestic political capital. He is reportedly seeking new alliances to navigate potential internal conflicts with his own Pastef party and to bolster his position for a potential re-election bid in 2029. Political communication specialist Assane Niang describes Faye's approach as "pure state pragmatism," emphasizing that a leader must look forward, not just backward, even when dealing with a predecessor whose regime faced accusations of human rights violations. The fact that many elected officials from Sall's former party, APR, have already joined Faye's coalition further underscores the strategic logic of this rapprochement.

National Unity vs. Calls for Justice

Macky Sall's Alliance for the Republic (APR) party is actively campaigning for national unity behind his UN candidacy, framing it as a non-partisan act that would enhance Senegal's international prestige and reposition Africa in global governance. Abdou Khafor Touré, an APR spokesperson, asserts that supporting Sall's bid is a matter of patriotism, not party politics, and represents an opportunity for Senegal to "have an appointment with history." This narrative seeks to transcend the deep political divisions that characterized Sall's final years in power, which included repression of protests and an attempt to postpone the presidential election.

However, this call for unity is sharply contrasted by the outrage from civil society organizations and associations representing victims of repression under Sall's regime. Mohamet Fadel Bodian, a coordinator for the Collective of Victims' Families, whose cousin was killed during a 2024 protest, vehemently argues that Sall lacks the legitimacy to represent Senegal or Africa at the UN. These groups demand that "light be shed" on the more than 65 deaths attributed to the former president's rule. For them, any support from President Faye would be a "provocation" and an implicit denial of justice, suggesting that accountability for past actions would be sacrificed for political expediency.

The Stakes for Senegal's International Image

The outcome of this visit and President Faye's decision will have significant implications for Senegal's international image and its domestic political landscape. If Faye endorses Sall, it could project an image of national cohesion and strategic foresight on the global stage, potentially boosting Senegal's influence within international bodies. The Minister of the Armed Forces, Yankhoba Diémé, has already clarified that Sall faces no legal accusations or convictions, thus affirming his right to free movement and implicitly supporting the idea of his eligibility for international roles.

Conversely, supporting a figure associated with human rights abuses could tarnish Senegal's reputation, particularly among international human rights advocates and democratic observers. It would also risk alienating a significant portion of the Senegalese population, especially those who suffered under Sall's administration and voted for Faye on a platform of change and justice. Faye's challenge is to balance the perceived benefits of a strategic alliance and national unity with the moral imperative of addressing past grievances and upholding the principles of accountability that many of his supporters expect. The decision will define his presidency's early trajectory and Senegal's path forward.