Government Distances Itself from Former President’s Candidacy

Senegal has officially denied supporting former president Macky Sall’s candidacy for UN secretary-general. In a diplomatic note sent to the African Union, the government clarified it “has at no stage endorsed” the initiative and cannot be considered a stakeholder in the process.

The candidacy, which was pushed by Burundi during its AU presidency, failed to gain consensus, with around twenty member states opposing it. This comes amid political tensions between Sall and the current leadership under Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko.

With António Guterres’ term ending in December 2026, the race remains wide open. Other contenders include Rafael Grossi and Rebeca Grynspan, while some, like Michelle Bachelet, have lost national backing. Public hearings with candidates are set to begin April 20, before the Security Council recommends a name to the General Assembly.

Source: Africa News