Senegalese citizens launch petition against government's support for Macky Sall's UN Secretary-General candidacy
via SeneNews2 min read
A collective of Senegalese citizens has initiated a petition to express their strong disagreement with the Senegalese authorities' decision to officially support former President Macky Sall's candidacy for the position of UN Secretary-General. Within two hours of its launch, the petition garnered nearly 5,000 signatures. The citizens, including jurist and Xalaat TV columnist Pape Samba Seye, argue that this decision compromises Senegal's image and voice internationally and does not reflect the sentiments of a large portion of the population. They associate Macky Sall's regime with a painful period in recent political history, citing violent repression between 2021 and 2024 that led to numerous deaths, the incarceration of opponents, activists, and journalists, and a deep public finance crisis, including hidden debt confirmed by a Court of Accounts report and an independent audit by Forvis Mazars. The petitioners believe that supporting Sall's candidacy sends a signal contrary to the demand for justice and legitimizes impunity, as potential responsibilities have not been fully examined. They emphasize that their initiative is not against any person or institution but is guided by the principle that a democratic state must listen to its people, respect the memory of victims, and prioritize justice over political or diplomatic considerations. They urge all citizens committed to truth, justice, accountability, and popular will to sign the petition, stating that lasting reconcilia
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
Must ReadUS President Donald Trump is reportedly considering officially backing FIFA President Gianni Infantino to succeed António Guterres as United Nations Secretary-General at the end of the year. This move could displease former Senegalese President Macky Sall, who is also a candidate for the same position and has the support of the African Union and the current Senegalese executive. According to a White House source cited by the New York Post, Trump believes the 56-year-old Italian-Swiss leader "is respected by the whole world" and possesses "a special ability to bring people together." Their rapport reportedly developed during the organization of the 2026 World Cup, where Infantino showed considerable deference to the American president, even awarding him FIFA's first "Peace Prize." This unexpected candidate, sponsored by Washington, could undermine Macky Sall's plans, especially as Africa and Latin America are advocating for their turn in the geographical rotation for the multilateral organization's leadership. An European candidate supported by Washington could also weaken the African strategy within the Security Council. To secure the position, a candidate must obtain approval from the 15 members of the Security Council, where the five permanent members hold veto power, before being confirmed by the General Assembly. Other international figures, such as former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet and Argentinian Rafael Grossi, current Director General of the IAEA, are also con
Must ReadNgagne Demba Touré, the former Director General of Société des mines du Sénégal Somisen, stated that a mining audit he initiated was suspended on the instruction of the highest authority of the state. Touré, who was recently dismissed from his position, revealed that the audit, launched in June 2024, aimed to analyze the state's shares in mining companies. He claims the audit identified several gold mining companies where the state receives only 10% of the profits, including Sabodala Gold Operation, Petowal Mining Company, Sored-Mines, Afrigold, Managem-Boto, and Makabingui Gold Operations. Touré's remarks were made as he handed over his responsibilities to his successor, Mady Touré.
Public hearings concerning the organization and management of Senegal's campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, initially scheduled to begin on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, have been postponed indefinitely. The National Assembly's Commission on Education, Youth, Sports, and Leisure announced the delay, citing parliamentary calendar constraints. Signed by the commission's president, Honorable Deputy El Hadji Guèye, a communiqué released on Tuesday, July 21, explained that this rescheduling is due to internal parliamentary demands, aiming to better integrate these sessions with ongoing work within the institution. The commission reassured the public that the postponement does not diminish the importance or relevance of these hearings, emphasizing that the additional time will ensure more rigorous preparation and optimal organization for discussions with various invited entities and individuals. The commission reiterated its commitment to transparency, good governance, and accountability in the management of sports affairs in Senegal, with a new calendar to be announced later after consultations.