Senegal: Africa attempts to regain a seat it has lost since 2006 with Macky Sall, candidate for the UN leadership

The former Senegalese president, Macky Sall, is officially a candidate for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations. His candidacy was submitted by Burundi, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the African Union. The term of the current officeholder, Portugal’s António Guterres, expires on December 31, 2026.

This announcement is part of a recurring African demand: to see a son of the continent take the helm of the multilateral institution.

Since 2006, no African has led the UN, even though the continent represents more than a quarter of the member states and provides the largest contingent of Blue Helmets deployed around the world.

The track record of Macky Sall record argues in his favor. As Head of State of Senegal from 2012 to 2024, he also chaired the African Union between 2022 and 2023, and the Development Committee of the World Bank and the IMF.

This represents solid experience in the intricacies of diplomacy and international financial institutions.

However, the road to New York is fraught with obstacles. The selection of the Secretary-General is subject to complex geopolitical balances, where the weight of the five permanent members of the Security Council remains decisive. Eastern Europe, which has not held the post since 2010, is also asserting its claims.

Beyond the candidacy of Macky Sall, it is the place of Africa in global governance that is at stake.

The continent, which bears a significant share of UN affairs, particularly in peacekeeping operations, aspires to representation commensurate with its involvement. The question remains whether the international community will be ready to take this step.

Cédric KABORE