Senegal has distanced itself from the candidacy of former president Macky Sall for the post of Secretary-General of the United Nations, despite backing from the African Union.
This comes amid intensifying diplomatic competition to succeed António Guterres.
In a note verbale dated March 27, Senegal’s Permanent Mission to the AU stated that the government “has at no stage endorsed” the candidacy and “was not associated with the initiative,” adding that the country “cannot be considered a party” to the process.
The clarification comes a day after the AU Assembly Bureau adopted a draft decision presenting Macky Sall, 64, as Africa’s candidate for the UN’s top post.
The document highlights his leadership experience, international network, and ability to build consensus, while calling on member states to support his candidacy in the name of African solidarity.
Earlier, Senegal’s foreign minister had already indicated that the authorities had not been consulted on the initiative, underscoring a disconnect between Dakar and the continental body on the matter.
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who has been in office since 2024, and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko lead a government whose relations with Macky Sall have remained tense since his departure from power after serving from 2012 to 2024.
On the international stage, the race to succeed Guterres remains open. The candidacy of Michelle Bachelet has recently lost the backing of her country, while other contenders include Rafael Grossi, nominated by Argentina, and Rebeca Grynspan.
Under the selection process, the UN Security Council will recommend a candidate before the General Assembly proceeds with the appointment, following diplomatic consultations and public hearings. These hearings are scheduled to begin on April 20, with each candidate given three hours to present their vision.
Guterres’ term as UN Secretary-General is set to end in December 2026.
AC/lb/as/APA