According to journalist Cheikh Yérim Seck, the return of Macky Sall to the national political scene is not coincidental. Sall's comeback would be the result of secret negotiations with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to counter the influence of the Pastef party ahead of upcoming elections. These negotiations have allegedly been ongoing for several months.

The negotiations between Diomaye Faye and Macky Sall were facilitated by Me Oumar Youm, whose wife and Diomaye Faye's second wife are sisters. Initially, Diomaye Faye was hesitant to meet with Macky Sall in Senegal, leading Sall to travel to Spain for their meeting. Sall, however, insisted on being received in Senegal. The two leaders reportedly discussed various strategies, including Sall's candidacy for the position of UN Secretary-General.

Despite their apparent alliance, the two leaders have differing views on the country's political landscape. Diomaye Faye is said to be considering a coalition around the Kiiraay party to form a government of national unity. In contrast, Macky Sall believes that a coalition would lead to the Pastef party gaining power and is instead advocating for a three-block approach: Kiiraay and its allies, the APR and its allies, and Pastef.

President Diomaye Faye is reportedly wary of Macky Sall's intentions, fearing that Sall may try to undermine him as he did with Ousmane Sonko during the 2024 legislative elections. This concern has led Diomaye Faye to take measures to secure his position and closely monitor Sall's moves. The situation remains uncertain, with many questions about the potential alliance and its implications for Senegal's future.

According to Cheikh Yérim Seck, Macky Sall has conducted a survey by commune, which suggests that if there is a coalition, the Pastef party will likely gain power. Sall's strategy, therefore, is to create separate blocs to potentially sway some votes away from Pastef. However, this approach does not seem to align with Diomaye Faye's vision for the country's future.

The alleged pact between Macky Sall and Diomaye Faye has sparked interest and concern among Senegalese citizens and politicians. While some see the potential alliance as a positive development, others are skeptical about the intentions of the two leaders. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how this potential alliance will impact Senegal's politics.

The developments in Senegal's politics have raised questions about the future of the Pastef party and its leader, Ousmane Sonko. With Macky Sall and Diomaye Faye reportedly in negotiations, some wonder if this alliance will lead to a shift in the country's political landscape. Only time will tell how this situation will play out and what implications it will have for Senegal.

Key points

  • Macky Sall and Diomaye Faye are in secret negotiations to counter the influence of the Pastef party.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.