Senegal Endorses Macky Sall for UN Secretary-General

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye announced on July 21, 2026, his official endorsement of former President Macky Sall's candidacy for Secretary-General of the United Nations. The decision follows a meeting in Dakar on July 18, marking Sall's first visit to the city since leaving office in 2024.

This move represents a significant policy reversal for the Faye administration, which had previously refused to support Sall. The government had cited allegations of political repression, the concealment of economic data, and financial mismanagement during Sall's tenure from 2012 to 2024 as reasons for its initial opposition.

President Faye has now instructed Senegal's diplomatic missions and foreign ministry to mobilize full support for Sall among UN member states, characterizing the bid as being in the service of Africa. Sall was originally nominated for the position by Burundi in its capacity as the current African Union chair. He is one of five candidates seeking to replace Antonio Guterres, whose term expires on December 31, 2026.

The endorsement has faced criticism from members of the Pastef Party and civil society groups representing victims of political protests, who continue to seek accountability for unrest during Sall's presidency.