Senegal backs Macky Sall’s bid for UN secretary‑general

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye announced on 20 July 2026 that Senegal will give its full, “plain support” to former President Macky Sall’s candidacy for the next United Nations secretary‑general. The endorsement follows a private meeting on 17 July at the Presidential Palace, during which Sall presented his campaign plan and the president instructed the government and Senegal’s diplomatic network to mobilise for the candidacy, describing it as “Senegal’s candidacy in the service of Africa” and a push for a stronger multilateralism.

The move comes after a political rivalry between the two leaders; Faye’s administration had previously criticised Sall’s record, including the disputed attempt to postpone the 2024 presidential election. Nonetheless, the government now seeks to rally national forces behind the bid, which is supported by Burundi’s African Union presidency and faces five other contenders, including former leaders of Costa Rica, Chile and Argentina.

Sall’s diplomatic outreach has included a meeting in Moscow with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, where Russia outlined its expectations for any UN secretary‑general candidate. Domestic reactions have ranged from praise by business groups and civil‑society organisations to calls for national unity behind the effort. The endorsement positions Senegal as a key advocate for an African candidate in the upcoming UN leadership selection, which will conclude with a Security Council recommendation and a General Assembly vote before the end of 2026.