The tarmac of Dakar’s military airport will witness a significant moment this Friday, July 17, at 3:00 PM, as a special flight lands carrying former President Macky Sall. The swift return to Senegal, his home country, marks a pivotal chapter in his political journey after twelve years at the helm of the nation.

This is no ordinary visit. Within hours of touchdown, Sall is scheduled for an audience at the Presidential Palace before boarding another flight to New York by 6:00 PM. His agenda? Securing support for his candidacy to become the next Secretary-General of the United Nations—a position Dakar has yet to endorse publicly.

The timing of his arrival is deliberate. Sall’s return comes against a backdrop of lingering controversies, including allegations of hidden public debt and political unrest during his tenure, particularly between 2021 and 2024. Critics, including members of the victorious 2024 presidential party, the Patriots of Senegal for Work, Ethics, and Fraternity (PASTEF), continue to scrutinize his legacy. While no formal charges have been filed against him, calls for accountability among former officials persist.

Just twelve months ago, his former Prime Minister, a key figure in his administration, faced intense scrutiny over these very issues. The political climate remains charged, with debates over transitional justice and governance still fresh in the public discourse.