Diomaye Faye Explains Support for Macky Sall's UN Secretary-General Bid

On September 24, 2026, in New York, Senegal's President Diomaye Faye expressed his support for former President Macky Sall's candidacy for the UN Secretary-General position. Faye stated that an African candidate would be best suited to represent the continent's interests at the UN. Macky Sall's candidacy was submitted by Burundi on behalf of the African Union in March.

Macky Sall, an engineer-geologist by training, was born on December 11, 1961, in Fatick. He served as Senegal's President from 2012 to 2024 and as Chair of the African Union from February 2022 to February 2023. His candidacy initially faced opposition from several African countries, including Senegal, but gained support in July after Faye met with him in Dakar.

Faye expressed optimism about Sall's chances, dismissing pessimistic predictions surrounding the candidacy. He stated that the outcome depends on the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, whose voting intentions are currently unknown. Faye revealed that discussions are underway with these countries, and the result is still uncertain.

Faye justified his support for Sall by emphasizing the need for stronger African representation at the UN. He highlighted Sall's experience with debt and international financial architecture reform, issues that many Southern countries face. Faye views supporting Sall as a national duty, believing an African candidate would best defend the continent's interests at the UN.

Seven candidates remain in the running, including Sall, after two withdrew: Argentina's Virginia Gamba and Chile's Michelle Bachelet. The other candidates are Rafael Grossi of Argentina, Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica, Maria Fernanda Espinosa and Ivonne A-Baki of Ecuador, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett of Guyana, and Olara Otunnu of Uganda.

Informal straw polls have been conducted at the UN Security Council, but results are not publicly disclosed. Diplomatic sources suggest Rebeca Grynspan leads with nine favorable votes and five unfavorable ones in the third poll. The final decision rests with the Security Council, which must recommend a candidate to the General Assembly without a veto from any permanent member.

The new UN Secretary-General will assume office on January 1, 2027, succeeding Antonio Guterres, whose term ends on December 31. Faye's endorsement of Sall underscores the significance of African representation at the UN and the challenges ahead in securing the top position.

Key points

• Macky Sall's candidacy for UN Secretary-General has gained Senegal's support.
• Diomaye Faye cites the need for African representation at the UN as a reason for backing Sall.
• Seven candidates remain in the running for the UN Secretary-General position.