Why is Senegal supporting Macky Sall in the race for the UN Secretary-General position?
Dakar considers his nomination as representing Senegal and Africa.
Written by Muhammad Imran
Senegal has brought its former president, Macky Sall, back to the forefront of the political and diplomatic scene, after officially announcing its support for his candidacy for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations, in a remarkable move that came despite the political differences that prevailed between Sall and the current administration following the transfer of power in 2024.
The official support announced by Senegalese President Bassirou Diomêne Faye represents a shift in the government’s position, as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs considered Macky Sall’s candidacy to be no longer just a personal nomination, but rather “Senegal’s nomination in service of Africa,” with diplomatic missions directed to work on mobilizing support for him within the United Nations.
Why does Senegal support Macky Sall?
Observers believe that Dakar’s support for Sall’s candidacy is based on several considerations, foremost among them his extensive political and diplomatic experience, after assuming the presidency of Senegal between 2012 and 2024, in addition to his presidency of the African Union during the period 2022-2023, which earned him a broad network of international relations and experience in managing regional and international issues.
Senegal also seeks to strengthen its presence on the international stage by having a Senegalese figure reach the highest administrative position in the United Nations, which gives the country greater diplomatic weight and strengthens the presence of the African continent within the international organization.
A message of unity despite the differences
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s decision to support his predecessor carries significant political implications, especially since the relationship between the two men had witnessed sharp tensions during the last years of Sall’s rule. However, the meeting that brought them together in Dakar paved the way for the official declaration of support, in a message that confirms the prioritization of national interest over internal political differences.
International competition for leadership of the United Nations
Macky Sall's nomination comes as part of a race involving a number of prominent international figures to succeed current Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, whose term ends at the end of 2026. The selection process is preceded by public debates between the candidates, before the start of voting rounds within the Security Council, and then the winning candidate is presented to the United Nations General Assembly for approval of his appointment.
Despite the official support Sall enjoys from his country and a number of African nations, the competition for the position remains open, given the presence of candidates with extensive diplomatic and political experience, making the coming months crucial in determining the identity of the next Secretary-General of the United Nations.
