Senegal's ex-president Sall seeks Faye's backing for UN bid

Former Senegalese President Macky Sall met President Bassirou Diomaye Faye on Friday to formally seek the government's backing for his candidacy to become the next United Nations secretary-general.

According to the presidency, Sall briefed Faye on his campaign and requested Dakar's official support. The presidency described the meeting as a symbol of the continuity of the state despite political transitions. Sall also pledged to keep the president informed as the selection process progresses.

The visit marked Sall's first return to West African country since leaving office in April 2024. Thousands of supporters gathered to welcome him at a military airport in Dakar, where he addressed the crowd before heading to the presidential palace. He later departed for Morocco, where he has lived since leaving office.

Sall, who served as Senegal's president from 2012 to 2024, was nominated by Burundi on March 2, 2026 as a candidate to succeed UN Secretary-General António Guterres, whose term is due to end on December 31, 2026.

The 10th secretary-general will be appointed by the UN General Assembly later this year on the recommendation of the Security Council. 

The successful candidate will assume the role in January 2027 for a five-year term, which member states can renew for an additional five years.