Former Senegalese president Macky Sall received a boost in his bid to become the next United Nations secretary-general after former African Union Commission chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat publicly endorsed his candidacy.

Mahamat described Sall's bid as "opportune," saying the former Senegalese leader brings the experience, credibility and temperament needed to steer the global body through a difficult period in international affairs.

In a post on the social media platform X, Mahamat said he had closely observed Sall's qualities during their years working together within the African Union.

"Having worked with him for eight years while serving as Chairperson of the African Union Commission —including during his presidency of the African Union—I've witnessed his leadership and diplomatic skill first-hand," Mahamat wrote. "He has the rare ability to build consensus across diverse interests."

Mahamat added that Sall's leadership at the United Nations could help strengthen Africa's voice in global decision-making while reinvigorating international cooperation anchored in the founding ideals of the organization.

"At a moment when the world urgently needs renewed multilateralism, his selection could help open a new chapter—one focused on peace, stability, and shared prosperity for all," he said.

Sall's nomination was formally submitted on March 2 by Burundi on behalf of the African Union, according to a letter circulated by the president of the United Nations General Assembly and the president of the United Nations Security Council.

The process to choose a successor to current UN chief Antonio Guterres is still in its early stages, but Sall's candidacy has already begun to attract international support.

Among those backing him is former US assistant secretary of state for African affairs Herman J. Cohen, who said Sall would be a capable and experienced choice to lead the global organization. Cohen also noted that appointing an African to the role would be a meaningful step for the United Nations, Africa and the broader international community.