Senegal Backs Former President Macky Sall for UN Secretary-General

The Senegalese government has officially endorsed former President Macky Sall’s candidacy for the position of United Nations Secretary-General, signalling a remarkable political shift after months of strained relations between the country’s current leadership and its predecessor.

The announcement marks the first time President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s administration has publicly backed Sall’s international ambitions since assuming office in 2024, despite previously accusing the former president’s government of political repression and economic mismanagement.

The decision follows a high-profile meeting between Sall and President Faye in Dakar, the former leader’s first visit to Senegal since leaving office after the 2024 presidential election. The meeting has been widely interpreted as an effort to ease political tensions and present a united national front on an issue considered to be of strategic importance for Senegal and the African continent.

In a statement, Senegal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said President Faye had directed all Senegalese diplomatic missions around the world to actively campaign for Sall’s election as the next Secretary-General of the United Nations.

The ministry described the endorsement as a national and continental priority, saying Sall’s candidacy serves not only Senegal’s interests but also strengthens Africa’s quest for greater representation in global governance.

The endorsement represents a significant turnaround for the Faye administration, which had until now refused to support Sall’s bid.

Since taking office, President Faye and members of his government have repeatedly criticised Sall’s administration, accusing it of suppressing political opposition, restricting democratic freedoms and concealing the true state of Senegal’s public finances during its final years in office. Those allegations have remained a major source of political division and continue to shape public debate in the West African nation.

Despite those longstanding disagreements, the latest move suggests the government is separating domestic political differences from Senegal’s international diplomatic interests, choosing to rally behind a candidate it believes could elevate the country’s global profile.

Macky Sall’s campaign for the UN’s top diplomatic post gathered momentum earlier this year when Burundi, serving as the current Chair of the African Union, formally nominated him for the position.

His candidacy is expected to feature prominently in discussions over Africa’s longstanding campaign for one of its own to lead the United Nations, as the continent seeks greater influence within the multilateral system.

However, Sall’s return to Dakar also revived demands for accountability from opposition groups and civil society organisations over the violent unrest that characterised the closing years of his presidency.

His final term was marked by repeated political protests, deadly clashes between demonstrators and security forces, and a prolonged dispute over the postponement of the 2024 presidential election. Human rights organisations and opposition figures have continued to call for investigations into the deaths and alleged abuses that occurred during the period.

While the government’s endorsement is likely to strengthen Sall’s diplomatic campaign internationally, it has also reopened debate within Senegal over justice, reconciliation and the legacy of his presidency.

The race to succeed the current United Nations Secretary-General is expected to attract significant international attention, with Africa seeking to build consensus around a candidate capable of securing broad global support. Senegal’s backing is expected to enhance Sall’s credentials as he seeks to emerge as the continent’s preferred nominee for the world’s highest diplomatic office.