Former Senegalese President Macky Sall announced on Saturday, October 17, from Marrakech his withdrawal from the candidacy for the position of UN Secretary-General, following a straw poll held at the Security Council the previous day. His decision ends a campaign officially launched in March with the sponsorship of Burundi.
Macky Sall explained that he wants to promote the emergence of a consensual candidacy. He stated that he made his decision after consultations with Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye, current chairperson of the African Union, and Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, current chairperson of ECOWAS.
According to the results reported by the Ivorian Press Agency and RTS, the former Senegalese head of state received five favorable opinions against ten unfavorable ones during the informal vote on October 16. These votes allow members of the Security Council to encourage or discourage each candidacy before the recommendation phase.
In his statement, Macky Sall said that the various test votes revealed a preference for a candidacy from Latin America and the Caribbean, possibly led by a woman. He said he remains committed to peace, security, development, and reforming the functioning of the United Nations.
Macky Sall’s candidacy was officially submitted to the UN on March 2 by Burundi. Senegal subsequently expressed its support, while the former president advocated for increased African representation in international governance.
The UN Secretary-General is appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council. António Guterres’ term ends on December 31, 2026.
