Former Senegalese President Macky Sall officially withdrew his candidacy from the race to become the next United Nations (UN) Secretary-General.
His withdrawal followed an informal straw poll conducted by the UN Security Council on October 16, 2026, in which all seven active leadership candidates faced a “discourage” vote from at least one permanent member of the Security Council.
He served as the President of Senegal from 2012 to 2024, while he enjoyed international prominence as a diplomat and as former African Union Chairperson.
His global bid was weighed down by domestic controversies including his attempt to delay Senegal’s 2024 elections, a decision that led to deadly widespread protests.
His exit leaves Uganda’s Olara Otunnu as the sole remaining African nominee.
–ChannelAfrica–
