The planned encounter in Senegal between current President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and former President Macky Sall has sparked widespread outrage. Families of those who suffered political repression under Sall’s administration are vehemently protesting the meeting, emphasizing that it takes place while their quest for justice and reparations remains unfulfilled.

What fuels this intense debate? What potential repercussions could this meeting have on Senegal’s political landscape? To address these critical questions, political analyst Assane Samb offers his insights into the significance of this high-profile meeting within Senegal’s current political climate.

Interview with Assane Samb

Assane Samb elaborates: “This meeting was largely anticipated, despite some vocal opposition. With Macky Sall now a candidate for the United Nations Secretary-General position, it became unthinkable for his candidacy to be solely championed by other African nations, such as Burundi. Given China’s extremely significant role in this broader context, both parties likely found it necessary to smooth over previous differences.”

When questioned about the strong reactions from victim associations and civil society, Samb explains: “This is directly linked to a specific period we experienced between 2021 and 2024. During that time, intense street clashes occurred between protesters and security forces. Essentially, the populace was driven by a revolutionary dynamic.”

Addressing the query about organizations like Amnesty International attributing blame to the former President as guarantor of public safety and liberties, including the right to protest, and whether the current President faces a dilemma between diplomatic imperatives and his political base’s demand for justice, Samb responds: “When he was still part of Pastef, there was indeed a reluctance to officially endorse Macky Sall. Now that he has severed those ties, he no longer hesitates. That is no longer the situation.”

Pondering how Macky Sall’s bid for UN Secretary-General might further polarize Senegal’s political discourse, Samb states: “The calculations extend beyond the victims – we speak of martyrs and the like. However, the underlying truth is that people genuinely fear Macky Sall’s potential return, driven by political considerations.”

Finally, when asked about the meeting’s impact on national reconciliation and Senegal’s international image, Samb concludes: “Internationally, this meeting will be widely applauded, especially by African heads of state. Domestically, however, it is clear that the bipolarization of the political arena will only intensify.”