Macky Sall : Après le revers à l'ONU, l'équation du retour politique
Two weeks after withdrawing his candidacy for UN Secretary-General, former President Macky Sall is keeping his future shrouded in mystery. While the Alliance for the Republic (APR) asserts its firm foothold in the opposition and prepares to regain power in 2029, the prospect of the former head of state's return is generating as much hope among his supporters as it is questioning among the public. Between the controversial legacy of the 2021-2024 events, speculation about his relationship with Bassirou Diomaye Faye, and constitutional constraints, this analysis examines the major strategic choices facing the APR leader.
The UN chapter is now closed. Launched in March 2026, Macky Sall's campaign to become Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) ended on October 17th, after several months of diplomatic lobbying and travel around the world. Supported by many, including the President of the Republic, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, this international ambition ultimately failed.
One chapter closes, but another remains to be written. Does the former head of state intend to return to the forefront of Senegalese politics? Can he envision regaining power in 2029, despite the dramatic events that marked the end of his second term? And how much credence should be given to the hypothesis of a rapprochement with the current president of the Republic?
For Babacar Ndiaye, director of research and publications at the West African think tank WATHI, one thing is certain: Macky Sall has not left the national political scene. "To my knowledge, he has not given up on politics in Senegal. He still leads his party," the analyst observes, noting that the Alliance for the Republic (APR) has renewed its leadership while also experiencing departures since his loss of power.
The former president's return to Senegal, in connection with his UN candidacy, was indeed a first sign. The mobilization of his supporters and the declarations of support shown that his political machine retains a real capacity for mobilization. It remains to be seen whether this momentum will translate into more direct involvement in future electoral battles.
2029 : So close, yet so far...
For Babacar Ndiaye, the upcoming elections will provide a clearer picture of the former president's intentions. The year 2027, marked by local elections and potentially including early legislative elections should the National Assembly be dissolved, will constitute a first major test for the APR.
Before discussing a return to power, several unknowns must be addressed: the party's stance towards the current government, its ability to consolidate its local support, and its overall strategy for the upcoming elections. All of these factors will carry significant weight in the lead-up to the 2029 presidential election.
“We’ll have to see how things unfold first,” the political analyst believes. Because, beyond Macky Sall’s continued leadership of his party, the question of a potential candidacy remains entirely open. “Has he expressed any desire to run? Has he spoken about this candidacy? So far, I haven’t heard him mention it,” he emphasizes.
The situation is all the more delicate given that the former president remains inextricably linked to the events that occurred between 2021 and 2024. The demonstrations and violence of this period, which profoundly marked the country, constitute an unavoidable chapter in his political legacy. Babacar Ndiaye points out that civil society has reported approximately 80 deaths during these disturbances.
“The events of 2024 are still fresh in the minds of Senegalese people. They were painful times,” he insists. On the legal front, the analyst notes that Macky Sall is not currently facing any charges, while also mentioning the ongoing debates about responsibility related to that period.
A rapprochement with Diomaye?
The other unknown concerns the nature of the relationship between Macky Sall and Bassirou Diomaye Faye. The support given by the head of state to his predecessor's UN candidacy has fueled speculation about a possible rapprochement. But, according to Babacar Ndiaye, this hypothesis must be examined in light of the strategic interests of both sides.
“What would be the point of a rapprochement?” he asks. The APR remains led by Macky Sall, while Bassirou Diomaye Faye is building his own political machine around KIIRAAY. Any potential rapprochement would therefore require clarifying each party’s objectives, but also assessing its impact on the members of both parties.
On the APR side, the discourse is decidedly clear. Hamidou Anne, coordinator of the party's analysis and foresight unit, categorically rejects the idea of a realignment resulting from presidential support for Macky Sall's candidacy at the UN.
“The APR is not getting closer to anyone. The party embraces its position in the opposition and works every day to regain power in 2029 in order to change the lives of Senegalese people,” he told Seneweb.
The essayist also defends the international stature of the former head of state, arguing that his concerns related to peace, security, and economic development now extend beyond the strictly national framework: “It must be acknowledged that President Macky Sall, through his concern for peace, security, and economic development, now transcends the Senegalese political sphere. But he is first and foremost a Senegalese, proud of his deep roots and his record at the helm of Senegal. Above all, he remains a man free to act as he pleases.”
Regarding the events that occurred between 2021 and 2024, Hamidou Anne disputes the current government's interpretation and holds the authorities accountable: "Those who, once in power, rushed to give 5 billion CFA francs to looters and vandals must be questioned about their responsibility in the events of 2021-2024. They must also be questioned about their refusal, despite numerous promises, to repeal the amnesty law. There was an attempted insurrection based on a trivial morals case, and the State responded."
Eligibility : What does the Constitution say?
From a constitutional standpoint, Macky Sall's candidacy for the 2029 presidential election is not explicitly barred by the rule limiting the number of consecutive terms to two. At 64, the former head of state would also be well below the age limit of 75. But beyond the legal rules, his potential return will depend primarily on his personal will and his party's ability to rally around him.
Within the party, some consider him irreplaceable. "Macky Sall is the one who guarantees unity within the APR. He is the foundation of the party. He is the only one who can be a candidate. Without him, the political party will go to hell," a former member of his government told Jeune Afrique .
For the time being, Macky Sall has given no indication of his intentions. Since withdrawing his candidacy for UN Secretary-General, the former president has maintained his ambiguity. Rumors briefly suggested he might be in the running to succeed Louise Mushikiwabo as head of the International Organisation of the Francophonie (OIF), where she is seeking a third term this November, but this possibility has been denied by her entourage.
Macky Sall reportedly confided to a close associate that he was not "frenziedly seeking positions." This statement leaves the future open: between international diplomacy and a possible return to the Senegalese political arena, the former head of state is keeping all options on the table.
Commentaires (46)
Yen mom menace sans suite rek delen wakh rek
Le peuple sénégalais vous a tout donné. Il vous a fait confiance, il vous a porté au sommet, il a accepté vos choix pendant des années.
Aujourd’hui, s’il vous arrive de penser à ne pas revenir, à abandonner ce pays et à le laisser entre d’autres mains, ce serait une haute trahison.
Une trahison envers ceux qui vous ont tout donné.
Une trahison envers le peuple qui a placé son destin entre vos mains.
Une trahison envers l’histoire et envers le Sénégal lui-même.
Ne vous dérobez pas.
Ce pays a besoin de vous. Revenir n’est pas une option : c’est un devoir.
Le Sénégal vous attend.
On nous a vendu l’idée qu’il était presque certain qu’il serait SG de l’ONU.
Voilà qu’on agite l’idée irréaliste et parfaitement saugrenue du retour d’un homme qui a commis des crimes de sang et falsifié des comptes.
Dans un an, on ne parlera plus de ces délires et on passera à autre chose.
Le financement des titres de la presse sénégalaise sur son retour n'est rien d'autre qu'une suite du chantier de Macky Sall de blanchir ses crimes. Et franchement, ceux qui comprennent, savent être opportunistes et restent discrets, ont encore beaucoup de milliards à lui soutirer. Aujourd'hui plus que jamais il a un besoin vital de peinture médiatique. Et il est prêt pour la payer chère.
Si vous l’aimiez, vous lui conseilleriez de raser les murs et de se faire discret.
Il a échoué dans son pays et échoué à l’international car il y a une justice !
Je pense que fi macky mofi nek deh mon gars
Bon dimanche enjoy les JOJ respire bien.
Pharaon a été noyé dans les eaux de la mer rouge en voulant prolonger la souffrance de sa population, Macky Le Salfagneur des lois subira le même sort Incha Allah. IL MERITE D ÊTRE JUGE.
Il n’a ni le courage ni l’esprit politique pour sauver le Sénégal.
Laisse mouton courir Tabaski arrive!
Diomaye djeredjeff 🙏
Ce sont des gens installés au Sénégal qui sortent de leurs cerveaux des hypothèses dépourvues de sérieux
Ce pays part en couille sous pastef
Aller faire de la consultation, animer des conférences comme Barak Obama
Pourtant, après sa présidence, personne n'a véritablement fait appel à Wade pour résoudre un conflit ou mener une médiation internationale. Quant à Macky Sall, il n'est même pas nécessaire de chercher bien loin. Une simple recherche sur internet permet de retrouver ses propres déclarations affirmant que Wade lui avait donné comme cadeau les 7 milliards de Taïwan. Dès lors, haha il faut dire à Yoro Dia que ceci est possible qu’avec les gens qui n’ont aucune classe malgré leur costume et leur palais .
Dans le même temps, plusieurs Sénégalais ont dirigé d'importantes institutions internationales et bénéficient d'une reconnaissance réelle sur la scène mondiale. Concernant Léopold Sédar Senghor, quelles que soient les critiques que l'on puisse lui adresser, il continuait à être accueilli avec les honneurs et le tapis rouge, même après avoir quitté le pouvoir. Vous verrez! personne ne fera appelle à Macky pour quoi que ce soit surtout en Afrique. Peut-être les Français lui donneront quelque chose parce que c'est leur poulain. IL peut revenir s'il veut et travailler avec ses semblables comme Youssou Ndour , Farba Ngom , Cheikh Omar Hann , Badara Gadiaga , Ba Diakhaté , Aissatou Diop Fall et Mbaye Pekh ....j'ai oublié le nom du jeune tailleur il y a Nguer dans son nom
Les injures de Hamidou Anne à l'endroit de Farba Ngom ont bien été entendues.
MACKY2029FOREVERMACKY2029FOREVERMACKY2029FOREVER
Pourtant, après sa présidence, personne n'a véritablement fait appel à Wade pour résoudre un conflit ou mener une médiation internationale. Quant à Macky Sall, il n'est même pas nécessaire de chercher bien loin. Une simple recherche sur internet permet de retrouver ses propres déclarations affirmant que Wade lui avait remis les 7 milliards de Taïwan. Dès lors, haha il faut dire à Yoro Dia que ceci est possible qu’avec les gens qui n’ont aucune classe malgré leur costume et leur palais .
Dans le même temps, plusieurs Sénégalais ont dirigé d'importantes institutions internationales et bénéficient d'une reconnaissance réelle sur la scène mondiale. Concernant Léopold Sédar Senghor, quelles que soient les critiques que l'on puisse lui adresser, il continuait à être accueilli avec les honneurs et le tapis rouge, même après avoir quitté le pouvoir.
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