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Macky Sall, the former president of Senegal, is returning to the country for the first time since stepping down in 2024, aiming to secure support for his bid to become the next United Nations secretary-general. The visit, planned for July 17, will see him meet with his successor, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, in Dakar. According to reports, the meeting is intended to discuss Sall's candidacy, though it has sparked debate over its political implications. Sall is expected to arrive at Dakar’s former airport in Yoff around 3 p.m. and depart by 6 p.m., marking a brief but significant return to the political scene. This visit follows years of tension between Sall and his successor. Since taking office in 2024, Diomaye Faye has distanced himself from many of Sall’s policies and initiatives, particularly those related to economic reforms and governance. The relationship has been further complicated by disputes over allegations of hidden debt and the handling of protests during Sall’s tenure, which resulted in numerous deaths. These unresolved issues have led to calls for accountability from groups such as the Collective of Victims of Macky Sall’s regime, who argue that Sall’s international ambitions should not overshadow domestic justice concerns. Sall’s attempt to gain support from Senegal is part of a broader strategy to build regional and global backing for his candidacy. He is one of four official candidates for the position of UN secretary-general, alongside Argentinian Rafael Grossi, Chilean Michelle Bachelet, and Costa Rican Rebeca Grynspan. His candidacy was initially proposed by Burundi, which held the rotating chairmanship of the African Union in March. However, 20 out of 55 member states rejected his nomination, citing lack of consensus or requesting more time for deliberation. Despite this, Sall has continued to pursue his goal, sending a letter to Diomaye Faye in early February seeking formal endorsement, which went unanswered. The meeting between Sall and Diomaye Faye is framed as both a personal and political reconciliation. While Sall has expressed gratitude for being granted the audience, some within Diomaye Faye’s administration view the visit as politically motivated. Critics, including figures from the opposition Pastef party, accuse the government of prioritizing Sall’s international aspirations over addressing past grievances. Alioune Sall, a former minister under Diomaye Faye’s predecessor, has publicly criticized the decision, stating that it contradicts the narrative that brought Diomaye Faye to power. Meanwhile, the political landscape in Senegal continues to shift. Diomaye Faye has faced internal challenges, notably with his former prime minister Ousmane Sonko, who leads the Pastef party and has grown increasingly critical of the president’s leadership. Sonko, elected to head the National Assembly, has accused Diomaye Faye of slow progress on key reform agendas, leading to his dismissal earlier this year. This political realignment has created space for Sall’s return, even as tensions remain high between former allies. As the UN secretary-general election approaches, the stakes are high for all contenders. The current secretary-general, António Guterres, will complete his second term in late 2026, with the new leader set to assume office in January 2027. Sall’s visit to Dakar underscores the importance of securing regional support, especially from a country with historical influence in African politics. Whether this meeting marks a turning point in bilateral relations or remains a symbolic gesture remains to be seen. What is clear is that the dynamics of power in Senegal continue to evolve, with Sall’s return serving as a focal point for ongoing political discourse.