Former Senegalese President Macky Sall visited Dakar on Friday to seek his country’s support for his candidacy for UN Secretary-General. The visit has sparked a divide within Senegalese civil society, pitting diplomatic ambitions against demands for justice for victims of political repression during Sall’s tenure, according to reports from Dakar.
Did You Know? Seydi Gassama of Amnesty International stated that Senegal’s repression under Macky Sall was more severe than during the single-party era of Senghor in the 1960s.
Civil Society Reaction to Macky Sall’s UN Bid
The Network of Republican Academics (RUR) has welcomed the meeting between Macky Sall and his successor. However, associations representing families of victims of political repression strongly oppose the move. Boubacar Seye, leader of one such collective, described the reception of the former president as “shocking.”
Seye argues that “memory cannot be sacrificed on the altar of diplomacy,” noting that families are still mourning children and victims continue to suffer from the sequels of repression. He stated that no one should support a leader with such a “disastrous” record.
Human Rights Concerns and Unfulfilled Promises
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye previously pledged that the indemnification and prosecution of those responsible for violence during manifestations between 2021 and 2024 would be a national priority. Two years later, no trials have occurred and compensation remains “very partial,” according to source reports.
Seydi Gassama, Director of Amnesty International in Senegal, is currently assisting 67 families of presumed victims. Gassama asserts that Sall is unfit for the UN Secretary-General role, citing more than 67 deaths. He characterized the period as a “bloody reign” and questioned President Faye’s intention to support the candidacy.
Current Stance of the Faye Administration
The presidency and the ruling Pastef party have not issued public comments regarding the “lightning visit” as of Wednesday. This silence follows the direct appeal from victims’ associations for the head of state to honor his promise of justice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Macky Sall visit Dakar?
He visited to attempt to obtain the support of Senegal for his candidacy for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations.
What is the criticism from Amnesty International?
Director Seydi Gassama argues that Sall’s human rights record, which includes more than 67 deaths, makes him unsuitable for the UN role and describes his tenure as a “bloody reign.”
What promises did President Bassirou Diomaye Faye make?
He promised that the justice and indemnification of victims of manifestations occurring between 2021 and 2024 under Macky Sall would be a national priority.
Should diplomatic ambitions take precedence over domestic judicial reparations?
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