Macky Sall Returns to Senegal Amid Campaign for Top UN Leadership Role

Former Senegalese President Macky Sall is returning to Senegal for the first time since leaving office, as he continues his campaign to become the next United Nations secretary-general.

The visit marks an important moment for the former leader, who is seeking international support while remaining a prominent and sometimes divisive political figure in his home country.

Sall is expected to meet President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and hold discussions with other national leaders during the visit.

While he has described the trip as part of his diplomatic efforts for the UN's top post, it also brings him back into Senegal's political spotlight after spending several months in Morocco following the end of his presidency.

• Macky Sall returns to Senegal amid campaign for UN secretary general
• Former Senegal president Macky Sall seeks support for top UN role
• Macky Sall's Senegal visit boosts UN leadership campaign

Campaign for Global Role

Sall's visit comes as the race to succeed current UN Secretary-General António Guterres begins to gather pace. Guterres' second term ends in December 2026, and Burundi has officially nominated Sall as its candidate for the position. If elected, he would become only the third African to lead the United Nations.

During his stay, Sall is expected to discuss his UN campaign with President Faye before continuing consultations with regional and international partners. He has also said he plans to return to Dakar again in the coming months to meet supporters, suggesting he intends to remain connected to Senegal's political landscape despite focusing on an international role.

His return is also likely to revive debate over the final months of his presidency. In 2024, Sall's decision to postpone the Senegal presidential election sparked nationwide protests that left several people dead before Senegal's Constitutional Council overturned the move. The incident remains one of the most controversial chapters of his time in office and continues to shape public opinion.

Political Record Under Spotlight

Sall is also facing criticism over the financial management of his administration. Senegal's Court of Auditors has alleged that his government understated the country's debt and budget deficit, claiming previously undisclosed borrowing reached about $13 billion debt by mid-2025. Sall has strongly denied the allegations and maintains that his administration acted lawfully.

Despite these controversies, many supporters credit Sall with overseeing major infrastructure projects and driving economic growth during his 12 years in office. Under his leadership, Senegal expanded its transport network, improved public infrastructure and became an oil and gas producer, helping strengthen the country's economy and regional influence.

The competition for the UN's top job is expected to intensify in the coming months as member states consider potential candidates. Sall's experience as Senegal's president and former African Union Chairperson is expected to be a key part of his campaign.

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For Senegal, Sall's return carries both political and diplomatic significance. While he is seeking one of the world's most influential international positions, questions surrounding his legacy at home remain. How he manages both challenges could play an important role in shaping his future, both in Senegal and on the global stage.