Former Senegalese President Macky Sall has decided to take a step back from his political career by withdrawing from the daily activities of the Alliance for the Republic (APR). This decision, which he himself confirmed in an interview with the magazine ConfidentielDakarmarks an important transition for his party. Mr. Sall will now assume the title of honorary president, while focusing on international commitments.
According to DakarActua congress planned for the beginning of 2025 will formalize this restructuring within the APR. Upstream, a select committee was assembled last week at the initiative of Macky Sall. This group is working on establishing a permanent secretariat to manage the party’s affairs, as well as appointing a coordinator to oversee activities in its absence. However, this succession promises to be complex in the face of internal rivalries and the divergent ambitions of the APR executives.
Political context and accusations
This withdrawal comes in a tense political climate. Since his defeat in the 2024 presidential election, where his designated successor, Amadou Ba, failed to win, Macky Sall has been the target of harsh criticism, particularly from Pastef, the party currently in power. Some accuse him of exerting influence on Senegalese politics since his exile in Morocco, where he has resided since leaving the presidency on April 1, 2024.
In addition, more serious accusations weigh against him. Between 2021 and 2024, tragic political protests have claimed several lives, and allegations point to his possible responsibility. These suspicions come in a context where the High Court of Justice, officially inaugurated on December 28, 2024, has the mission of judging possible acts of high treason involving political figures, including Macky Sall. This withdrawal announced on December 29, 2024 could thus coincide with the intensification of these investigations.
Senegal
