Former President of the Republic of Senegal Macky Sall has officially announced that he will travel to Dakar on Friday, July 17, 2026, as part of the diplomatic consultations surrounding his candidacy for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN).
In a statement signed on July 14, 2026, and published on his official platforms, the former head of state explained that the visit is part of the consultations he has been undertaking with African leaders and institutions to garner support for his bid.
At the heart of the visit is a meeting with the President of the Republic, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, whom Macky Sall warmly thanked for agreeing to receive him. The meeting is widely seen as a significant step toward building national consensus around Senegal’s bid for one of the world’s most prestigious diplomatic positions.
In his statement, Macky Sall also expressed his gratitude to Senegal’s religious and traditional authorities for their prayers and messages of support. He further thanked the Senegalese people for the encouragement they have shown since the announcement of his candidacy.
The former president noted, however, that his stay in Dakar will be brief. Due to a particularly demanding international schedule, he will leave Senegal immediately after his meeting with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Nevertheless, he pledged to return at a later date to meet with party members, supporters, and citizens in person to express his appreciation for their continued confidence and solidarity.
The announcement comes at a time when Macky Sall’s candidacy is attracting growing attention across Africa. Several African leaders have already expressed support for his ambition, viewing it as an opportunity to strengthen Africa’s representation at the highest levels of global governance.
The forthcoming meeting between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and former President Macky Sall is therefore expected to draw significant attention. Beyond its institutional importance, it may also demonstrate Senegal’s ability to rise above political differences in support of a national ambition with international significance.
Although no details have yet been released regarding the agenda of the talks, the meeting could send a strong signal about Senegal’s official position in the race for the next United Nations Secretary-General, a strategic contest for both African diplomacy and the international community.
