Senegal has fully mobilized its diplomatic machinery to champion Macky Sall’s candidacy for the United Nations Secretary-General position. The move was formally announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on July 20, 2026, just three days after an influential meeting between the former and current presidents at the Republic Palace in Dakar.
A dramatic diplomatic turnaround
This endorsement represents a stark departure from Senegal’s stance in late March 2026, when Dakar initially joined over twenty African Union member states in withholding support for Macky Sall’s bid—then spearheaded by Burundi under the AU’s rotating presidency.
The July 17 meeting between Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Macky Sall reportedly eased lingering tensions, despite the political friction that has lingered since the 2024 presidential transition.
A tightly contested global race
Macky Sall now faces three formidable rivals in the race to succeed António Guterres, whose term concludes on December 31, 2026. The challengers include Michelle Bachelet, former President of Chile and ex-United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights; Rafael Grossi, Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency; and Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.
Senegal’s backing provides Macky Sall with a critical advantage, allowing him to leverage the country’s extensive diplomatic network. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that the entire government and all overseas missions will actively campaign for his candidacy.
Political backdrop in Senegal
This decision comes amid lingering political sensitivities in Senegal, still grappling with the aftermath of the 2024 transition. Bassirou Diomaye Faye, elected in March 2024 with support from the Pastef party, had pledged to break from Macky Sall’s governance style. Several unresolved issues remain, including demands for accountability from victims of repression during the previous administration.
Yet some analysts view Senegal’s support for Macky Sall as a pragmatic move toward national stability. By aligning with Dakar, Diomaye Faye may be broadening his political alliances beyond domestic divides, reinforcing Senegal’s regional leadership role.
As a nation of 18 million people and a founding member of key regional bodies like ECOWAS—currently chaired by Diomaye Faye—Senegal holds significant diplomatic weight in West Africa. Its endorsement could sway other undecided African capitals to rally behind Macky Sall’s campaign.
From Dakar to Banjul: an intensified lobbying effort
Following Dakar’s endorsement, Macky Sall traveled to Banjul on July 17 to engage Gambian President Adama Barrow in discussions. This regional outreach reflects a broader strategy to secure backing from African heads of state ahead of the United Nations Security Council vote—a process where permanent members hold veto power.
The outcome of this race will hinge on Macky Sall’s ability to forge a unified African consensus, countering bids backed by other regional blocs.
