Senegal's Faye backs ex-president Sall's bid for UN top job

Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has endorsed former President Macky Sall's candidacy to become the next United Nations secretary-general, the ​foreign ministry said, giving his predecessor crucial ​backing from his home country despite deep political ⁠divisions.

Faye reached his decision after meeting Sall on Friday, according ​to a foreign ministry statement on Monday.

Sall, who governed Senegal from ​2012 to 2024, is one of five candidates seeking to succeed UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, whose term ends on December 31.

Faye instructed his government to "fully ​mobilise" support for Sall, saying his bid "is now ​Senegal's candidacy in the service of Africa," according to the statement on Monday.

The ‌endorsement ⁠marks a significant political gesture from Faye, whose administration has frequently criticised Sall's record.

Sall's attempt to postpone the 2024 presidential election triggered deadly protests and was ultimately struck ​down by the ​Constitutional Council.

Faye ⁠won the election and succeeded Sall in April 2024, but relations have remained strained. ​Faye's government has accused Sall's administration of financial ​mismanagement ⁠and political repression, allegations Sall denies.

Burundi, which holds the African Union's rotating presidency, nominated Sall for the UN role. ⁠Senegal ​had until Monday stopped short of publicly ​endorsing his candidacy.