The possibility that former Senegalese president Macky Sall could succeed António Guterres as Secretary-General of the United Nations has sparked a heated debate in Senegal, with strong opposition from some political figures and victims of past political unrest.
Critics, including people affected by the violence that shook the country in 2021 and 2024 during Sall’s presidency, have voiced strong objections to the idea of him taking on the top UN role. Among those opposing the potential candidacy is lawmaker Guy Marius Sagna from the ruling party PASTEF.
“The UN must not become a laundering place for blood crimes and economic crimes,” Sagna said, accusing Sall of having “committed and encouraged blood crimes and economic crimes” during his time in power.
Supporters of the former president strongly reject those accusations and have sought to minimize the opposition to his candidacy. At the headquarters of Sall’s party, the Alliance for the Republic (APR), members say the former leader has the experience and international stature needed to head the UN.
Mamadou Kassé, a member of the APR leadership, highlighted Sall’s role in raising Africa’s profile on the global stage. According to Kassé, Sall helped secure the African Union a permanent seat in the Group of Twenty (G20) and was involved in diplomatic efforts during the Russia–Ukraine War, including a meeting with Vladimir Putin.
Supporters argue that after working to place both Senegal and Africa at the center of global discussions, Sall could now play a key role in international diplomacy at a time when multilateral cooperation faces significant challenges.
His possible candidacy has also received backing from parts of Senegal’s political establishment and from several trade unions. Writer and social mediator Badou Ndao urged the country to move beyond internal divisions.
“For the higher interest of Senegal, if Macky Sall becomes Secretary-General of the UN, that is what history will remember,” Ndao said, calling for unity at a moment he described as a crossroads for the nation.
Sall’s name was proposed by Évariste Ndayishimiye, president of Burundi and current chair of the African Union. However, the former Senegalese leader is still waiting for an official endorsement from Senegal’s current authorities.
