Macky Sall’s UN Bid Faces Questions of African Union Endorsement

The nomination of former Senegalese President Macky Sall as a candidate to succeed António Guterres as the next United Nations Secretary-General has sparked debate, particularly regarding the extent of support from the African Union (AU). While Burundi submitted Sall’s candidacy, questions remain about whether the nomination followed established AU procedures.

How Macky Sall Entered the Race

Macky Sall was formally nominated through a letter from Burundi’s Permanent Mission to the UN in New York, dated March 2, 2026, addressed to the Presidents of the UN General Assembly and the President of the UN Security Council for March 2026. The letter stated that the Burundian government, as the current Chair of the African Union, nominated Sall for the position of Secretary-General. Powers of Africa and Ecofin Agency reported on this nomination.

The African Union’s Nomination Process

The African Union has a defined process for nominating candidates for positions in international organizations. This process typically involves a Note Verbale from the nominating member state to the AU Commission. The submissions are then reviewed within regional groups, usually through the Permanent Representatives Committee, to avoid multiple candidates from the continent. A list is then submitted to the Ministerial Committee on Candidatures within the International System, a standing subsidiary body of the Executive Council of the AU, for consideration and potential endorsement. Finally, the list is presented to the Executive Council for endorsement or acknowledgement.

Sall’s Candidacy and the AU Process

Notably, Macky Sall’s name was absent from the Ministerial Committee’s report during the 39th AU Assembly, where Burundi assumed the chairmanship. This occurred just two weeks before his nomination was submitted to the UN. Africa Intelligence reports that this has sparked division within the AU.

This approach raises questions about adherence to established procedures and transparency. The AU process aims to provide equal opportunity, allow member states to assess candidates, and ensure transparency – principles seemingly bypassed in Sall’s case.

Concerns and Criticisms

Critics argue that Sall’s direct approach to Burundi, leveraging its AU chairmanship, undermines the established AU process. Some observers have drawn parallels to a constitutional crisis Sall instigated in Senegal while attempting to circumvent the constitutional process ahead of the last election. All Africa notes that the current composition of the UN Security Council, with three African nations holding seats, may favor Sall’s candidacy.

Is Sall an Official AU Candidate?

Despite some reports claiming Sall is the “official candidate” of the AU, there is no official AU endorsement of his candidacy. The nomination stems from the government of Burundi, which happened to hold the AU chairmanship, rather than a formal decision by the Union itself.

Looking Ahead

The election for the next UN Secretary-General is scheduled for December 2026, with the new term beginning on January 1, 2027. Alongside Macky Sall, other potential candidates include former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet and Rafael Grossi, the current Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Sall can secure broader support and navigate the complexities of the UN selection process.