Macky Sall’s return: political fault lines reopen in Senegal

The reappearance of Macky Sall in Senegal, following several months abroad since his presidential term concluded in April 2024, has immediately reignited the profound political divisions within the nation. Yoro Dia, a prominent figure in the Alliance pour la République (APR) and former presidential communications advisor, seized this moment to deliver a particularly aggressive assessment of the current national context. In his view, this return signifies the end of an «interlude» personified by the incumbent Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, leader of the Pastef party.

Macky Sall’s highly charged political re-entry

Since the peaceful transfer of power to Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Macky Sall had largely maintained a low profile in the national media, primarily residing outside the country. His public engagements were mostly confined to international appearances, notably through his responsibilities with the Paris Pact for People and the Planet. Therefore, his arrival back in Dakar is seen by his supporters as a pivotal moment, potentially capable of revitalizing a structured opposition against the Faye-Sonko executive duo.

Yoro Dia, who served as Minister and government spokesperson during Sall’s presidency, opted for deliberately divisive language. By asserting that Senegal «recovers its soul and its values», the former presidential communicator frames this return in an almost restorationist light. His pointed criticism of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, whom he described as embodying a «negation of Senegal», reflects the intense resentment harbored by segments of the political class displaced since March 2024.

The challenging cohabitation between Pastef and the former administration

These statements surface amidst an already tense political atmosphere in Senegal. The government led by Ousmane Sonko has initiated several sensitive undertakings, including accountability measures targeting officials from the previous administration and the release of a Court of Auditors report disputed by former regime leaders. Consequently, numerous former ministers and general directors have faced judicial inquiries or been subjected to travel bans.

Within this environment, every public declaration by an APR executive carries significant weight. Yoro Dia’s chosen phrasing transcends mere partisan rhetoric, raising a fundamental question of historical legitimacy: who defines the national narrative? The current administration advocates for a sovereignist break, a reassertion of control over natural resources, and an institutional overhaul. Conversely, Macky Sall’s political heirs champion the achievements of his twelve-year tenure, marked by major infrastructure projects such as the regional express train and the new urban hub of Diamniadio.

A narrative struggle extending beyond national borders

The political rivalry between Sall and Sonko extends far beyond domestic concerns. The former head of state retains considerable regional standing, particularly within the Economic Community of West African States (CEDEAO), where he was a key proponent of dialogue with military regimes across the West Africa Sahel. Ousmane Sonko, conversely, champions a more assertive pan-Africanist stance, aiming to rebalance relationships with traditional partners, notably France, and to strengthen monetary and security sovereignty.

This clash of visions is now vividly expressed through rhetoric. Historically, Senegal’s political arena, characterized by a culture of vigorous debate, typically absorbs such verbal escalations without descending into open confrontation. The snap legislative elections of November 2024, decisively won by Pastef, established a clear institutional balance of power, which the opposition’s current maneuvers have, so far, struggled to effectively challenge.

For international investors and diplomatic partners, Macky Sall’s physical return nonetheless signals a development worth monitoring. It could potentially lend renewed visibility to a previously fragmented opposition, while also potentially reactivating judicial cases that might heighten political polarization. Practically, the Sonko government’s ability to advance its economic agenda, amidst budgetary constraints and under the scrutiny of the International Monetary Fund, will also hinge on its political management of this evolving dynamic.