Gambiaj.com – (DAKAR, Senegal) – Senegal has formally distanced itself from the candidacy of former president Macky Sall for the post of Secretary-General of the United Nations, despite a recent endorsement from the African Union.
The clarification comes amid growing diplomatic maneuvering over the race 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” Sall’s candidacy and “was not associated with the initiative.” The statement further emphasized that Senegal “cannot be considered a party” to the process.
The diplomatic note was issued a day after the Bureau of the AU Assembly adopted a draft decision presenting Sall, 64, as Africa’s candidate for the UN’s top post.
The AU document highlighted his leadership experience, global network, and ability to build consensus, while urging member states to rally behind his candidacy in the spirit of African solidarity.
However, authorities in Dakar have indicated that they were not consulted on the initiative. Senegal’s foreign minister had earlier signaled that the government had not been involved in the process, underscoring an apparent disconnect between the national authorities and the continental body.
Relations between Sall and the current leadership in Dakar remain strained. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who took office in 2024, governs alongside Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, both of whom emerged from an opposition movement that had frequently clashed with Sall during his presidency from 2012 to 2024.
On the international stage, the race to succeed Guterres remains wide open. Other figures mentioned as potential contenders include Michelle Bachelet, whose bid recently lost backing from her country, Rafael Grossi, nominated by Argentina, and Rebeca Grynspan.
Under the established selection process, the United Nations Security Council will recommend a candidate before the United Nations General Assembly proceeds with the formal appointment.
Diplomatic consultations and public hearings for candidates are expected to begin on April 20, during which each contender will have three hours to present their vision for the organization.
Guterres’ current term as Secretary-General is scheduled to conclude in December 2026.
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