Senegal backs former president Macky Sall for UN Secretary‑General candidacy

Dakar – On Monday the Senegalese government announced it would support former president Macky Sall’s candidacy to succeed Antonio Guterres as United Nations secretary‑general when the current term ends at the close of 2026. The decision marks a reversal of an earlier position in which officials had refused to endorse Sall, citing allegations of political repression and human‑rights violations during his 2012‑2022 tenure.

The shift followed Sall’s weekend visit to Dakar, during which he met with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and other senior officials. Government spokespersons said the meeting clarified Sall’s commitment to multilateralism and addressed prior concerns, prompting the endorsement. Senegal’s backing adds another African voice to the expected field of candidates, though the final selection will be made by the UN General Assembly after a recommendation from the Security Council.