In simple terms, Macky Sall tried to run for the top job at the United Nations, but his own country has now made it clear: they were never officially behind him.
The Senegalese government sent a formal message to the African Union saying they were not involved in pushing his candidacy at all. Because of this lack of support—and opposition from about 20 African countries—the proposal didn’t go through.
This situation is also tied to political tensions in Senegal. The current leadership, including President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, has a strained relationship with Sall.
Meanwhile, the race to replace António Guterres (whose term ends in December 2026) is still wide open. Other candidates like Rafael Grossi and Rebeca Grynspan are in the running, while some, like Michelle Bachelet, have already lost backing from their countries.
The next key step will happen in April, when candidates present their ideas publicly. After that, the UN’s Security Council will choose a final name, and the General Assembly will make it official. The new UN leader will start in January 2027.
Source: Africa News
