By Ajong Mbapndah L
Former Senegalese president Macky Sall has entered the race to become the next UN Secretary-General, positioning himself as a reform candidate calling for a “reinvented multilateralism” to address deepening global fractures.
Speaking during a high-level interactive dialogue broadcast on United Nations Web TV, Sall said the world stands “at a crossroads” between cooperation and fragmentation, urging member states to deliver a more effective and equitable global system.
He argued that rising debt distress, widening inequality and geopolitical tensions require a UN that is more responsive and results-oriented. “More than ever, a reinvented multilateralism remains the best way to respond,” Sall has said in his campaign messaging.
Sall said the credibility of the United Nations now depends on “coherent and equitable results,” adding that global institutions must deliver tangible outcomes for vulnerable countries, particularly in the Global South.
Central to his platform is reform of the UN Security Council and broader governance structures, with repeated calls for stronger African representation and a more balanced global decision-making system.
The 64-year-old candidate is among a growing field of contenders vying to succeed António Guterres when his term ends in 2026, as the UN faces sustained criticism over efficiency and crisis response.
During his appearance, Sall leaned on his executive experience, presenting himself as a pragmatic reformer. He called for “rigorous management” across the UN system and reduced duplication between agencies, adding: “Now is the time to do better with less.”
He outlined a broader agenda focused on strengthening peace-development linkages, improving governance efficiency, and restoring confidence in multilateral institutions.
If successful, Sall would become only the third African to lead the United Nations, a milestone widely viewed as significant for the continent’s longstanding push for greater influence in global governance.
Still, the selection process remains uncertain, shaped by Security Council dynamics and informal expectations around regional rotation, as well as the preferences of the permanent five members.
Sall has sought to position himself as both a consensus-builder and institutional reformer, arguing that the UN must adapt to remain relevant in a rapidly shifting global order.
“The urgent need,” he said, “is to act together… and reduce inequalities,” while calling on member states to make “bold choices” to strengthen the organization.
Africa’s Reaction: Support, Division and Diplomatic Friction
Across Africa, Sall’s candidacy has drawn a mixed response, reflecting both his stature as a former head of state and the lack of a unified continental position.
The African Union process itself has been contested. While Sall’s nomination was advanced through AU channels, the bloc ultimately failed to reach consensus endorsement after disagreements over procedure and consultation, leaving his bid without formal continental backing.
AU diplomatic sources say the lack of consensus highlights broader divisions within the bloc over how Africa coordinates support for high-level global appointments, particularly for the UN’s top post.
Despite this, Sall has received individual support from senior African figures. Former African Union Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat has publicly praised his candidacy, describing it as timely and grounded in extensive governance experience.
However, key African states—including Senegal and Nigeria—have not issued formal endorsements, underscoring the absence of a consolidated African position.
Burundi is among the few countries reported to have formally backed his nomination, though wider diplomatic support across the continent remains fragmented.
Controversy in Senegal and Political Optics
Sall’s candidacy has also triggered political debate in Senegal, where his successor’s administration has distanced itself from the nomination process, stating it was not consulted and has not endorsed his bid.
The government has further welcomed the African Union’s failure to adopt a unified endorsement, effectively signaling neutrality toward his international campaign.
The split reflects lingering political sensitivities following Sall’s 12-year presidency, during which his administration faced both praise for infrastructure expansion and criticism over governance practices and later fiscal transparency disputes.
Opposition voices have questioned the timing of his UN ambition, while supporters argue his international experience strengthens Senegal’s global profile.
A Contested African Bid
Despite the divisions, Sall remains one of the most prominent African contenders in the race, leveraging experience as Senegal’s former president and as Chairperson of the African Union, where he championed debt restructuring, food security and reforms to global financial architecture.
His candidacy now sits at the intersection of continental aspiration and political fragmentation—highlighting both Africa’s ambition for higher global representation and the persistent difficulty of presenting unified positions on major international appointments.
As the UN selection process gathers pace, Sall is betting that reform messaging and executive experience will outweigh diplomatic divisions.
Whether Africa ultimately consolidates behind his bid—or remains split—could prove decisive in the contest ahead.
