Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye (right) with his predecessor Macky Sall during their meeting on July 17, 2026. (Photo: X/Macky Sall)
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has officially endorsed former President Macky Sall’s bid to become United Nations secretary-general, setting aside political differences to support his predecessor’s campaign for the world’s top diplomatic post.
The endorsement, announced by Senegal’s Foreign Ministry on Monday, followed a meeting between Faye and Sall last Friday.
According to the ministry, Faye directed the government to “fully mobilise” diplomatic support for Sall, declaring that “his candidacy is now Senegal’s candidacy in the service of Africa.”
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The move represents a notable show of national unity despite years of political rivalry between the two leaders.
Faye’s administration has repeatedly criticised Sall’s decade-long presidency, particularly his controversial attempt to postpone Senegal’s 2024 presidential election. The move sparked deadly protests before it was overturned by the Constitutional Council.
Sall, who served as Senegal’s president from 2012 to 2024, is among five candidates seeking to succeed Antonio Guterres, whose second term as UN secretary-general ends on December 31.
The successful candidate will take office on January 1, 2027, for a five-year term.
Sall’s candidacy was proposed by Burundi, which currently holds the African Union’s rotating chairmanship.
However, the African Union has so far failed to unite behind a single African candidate after divisions emerged among member states over the endorsement.
Senegal’s backing is expected to strengthen Sall’s campaign as the selection process gathers momentum, although securing broad international support will remain crucial in the race to lead the United Nations.
