Dakar, Senegal — Senegal has publicly distanced itself from the African Union’s support for Macky Sall’s bid to become the next UN Secretary-General. The Permanent Mission of Senegal to the AU informed the commission on Friday that the government has not endorsed Sall’s candidacy, despite the AU’s call for African solidarity.
A note from the Senegalese mission on 27 March 2026 clarified the government’s stance, stating that it had never endorsed Sall’s bid and had not been involved in the process. This came in contrast to the AU’s draft decision on 26 March, which backed Sall’s candidacy based on his experience and leadership.
Senegalese Foreign Minister’s lack of consultation highlighted the disconnect between the AU and Senegal. Sall, who served as President from 2012 to 2024, has faced criticism for his handling of political demonstrations and accusations of hiding the country’s debt, which the IMF confirmed were false statements regarding budget deficits and public debt from 2019 to 2023.
The race to succeed current UN Secretary — General António Guterres includes other candidates like Michelle Bachelet, Rafael Grossi, and Rebeca Grynspan. The Security Council is set to recommend a candidate to the General Assembly, which will vote from 20 April, with Guterres’term ending in December 2026. Senegal’s refusal to back Sall may impact the AU’s support for candidates in future international roles.
Source: Africanews
