Full Breakdown
Divisions in Africa Over Macky Sall's UN Secretary-General Bid
4/13/2026, 12:31:41 PM
Background of the Nomination
Burundi has nominated former Senegalese President Macky Sall to succeed Antonio Guterres as the United Nations Secretary-General, with Guterres's term ending on December 31, 2026. Sall's vision for the UN includes calls for reform, modernization, and streamlining of its operations. However, his candidacy has faced significant opposition within Africa, leading to a fractured response from the African Union (AU).
The Fractured Support for Sall
Despite Burundi's nomination, Senegal has distanced itself from the initiative, stating in a diplomatic note to the AU that it "has not, at any stage, endorsed" Sall's application. This lack of support is echoed by approximately 20 AU member states, including South Africa, Algeria, Rwanda, Liberia, and Senegal, who have publicly rejected Sall's bid. The nomination process has been criticized for procedural irregularities, as the AU requires formal reviews and endorsements for candidacies, which were reportedly bypassed.
Procedural Controversies
The nomination was submitted on March 2, 2023, but faced immediate scrutiny. The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) noted that the submission blurred the lines between a national initiative and a continental endorsement. Following objections, Burundi reintroduced the nomination under the AU's silence procedure, which limited the time for member states to voice their concerns. By March 27, 2023, numerous member states had formally objected, leading to the nomination being blocked. Rwandan officials described the process as a "gross breach of procedure," emphasizing the need for adherence to established AU rules.
Criticism from Member States
Countries like Nigeria have also voiced their dissent, arguing that the established procedures were not followed. Nigeria's Permanent Mission to the AU stated that Africa should refrain from contesting the Secretary-General position, advocating for a rotation principle that favors Latin America and the Caribbean. Djiby Sow, a senior researcher at the ISS, highlighted that the silence procedure did not allow for necessary discussions regarding such an important candidacy.
Current Status and Future Prospects
Despite the lack of AU endorsement, Macky Sall remains a candidate for the UN Secretary-General position. He will compete against three other candidates: Rebeca Grynspan, Rafael Grossi, and Michelle Bachelet. Interviews for these candidates are scheduled for the second half of April 2023, allowing member states to vote for Sall on an individual basis, regardless of the AU's position.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There are discrepancies regarding the number of AU member states opposing Sall's nomination, with sources indicating around 20 countries have rejected it. Additionally, the procedural details surrounding the nomination process remain contested, with differing views on whether established AU protocols were followed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “ "This was too much for many AU member states, which could not accept such a diktat and such disrespect from their chairperson.” — Olivier Nduhungirehe, Rwandan Foreign Minister
- “Sow told DW. In a letter to the AU Commission, Nigeria said Africa should refrain from contesting the secretary-general post, arguing it is the turn of Latin America and the Caribbean under the” — Nigeria's Permanent Mission to the AU
