Macky Sall, who served as President of Senegal from 2012 until 2024, has reportedly submitted his candidacy for Secretary‑General of the United Nations. The submission was made through leadership channels of the African Union (AU), according to media reports.
Sall’s 12 years in office were defined by large-scale national projects, including expansion of transport networks such as major road corridors and rail links, construction of industrial development zones, and efforts to boost electricity generation capacity. As president, he regularly represented Senegal at meetings of the African Union and other regional and international summits.
After leaving national office, Sall continued to participate in international forums and diplomacy. The move to submit his name for the UN’s top administrative position signals his intent to pursue a role in global governance.
The process for selecting the United Nations Secretary‑General is set by the UN Charter and involves two main stages. First, the UN Security Council considers candidates and, if there is agreement among its members, recommends one to the UN General Assembly. The appointment is finalized by the General Assembly. Regional support, including from the African Union, plays a political role but does not by itself determine the final selection.
Africa has never held the top job at the United Nations since Kofi Annan’s tenure ended in 2006, and discussions about regional balance and representation are part of the ongoing process as the next Secretary‑General is chosen.
