NEW YORK— Former Senegalese President Macky Sall has suffered a major setback in his bid to succeed António Guterres as United Nations Secretary-General, following a key preliminary vote by the UN Security Council, according to media reports.
The secret ballot, known as an indicative vote was conducted by the 15-member Security Council to gauge support and assess which candidates possess the viable momentum required to lead the global body starting in 2027.
French weekly Jeune Afrique reported that the initial round yielded “disappointing results for Macky Sall,” a turnout that could severely complicate his campaigning in subsequent rounds.
However, the outcome does not signal Sall’s exit from the contest. Instead, it marks an early stage in a protracted selection process to replace Guterres, whose second term expires at the end of 2026.
Sall, who governed Senegal from 2012 to 2024, is competing against a formidable pool of international diplomats. Prominent contenders include Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD); and Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the UN.
From an African perspective, Sall’s candidacy holds significant weight given the long absence of an African leader at the helm of the UN. However, competing candidates from the continent threaten to split regional support, making a unified endorsement difficult to secure.
High Stakes at the Security Council
To advance, a candidate must secure broad approval within the Security Council, notably avoiding a negative vote from any of its five permanent, veto-wielding members: the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom. Upon selection by the Council, the nominee is recommended to the UN General Assembly for formal appointment.
Consequently, relying solely on African backing will not suffice for Sall; securing endorsement from non-African powers and avoiding vetoes remain critical.
While this preliminary vote highlights the steep challenges ahead for Sall, it is not definitive. Candidates retain the opportunity to recalibrate their campaigns, build broader coalitions, and negotiate directly with Security Council members.
The incoming Secretary-General will assume office on January 1, 2027, taking leadership of the United Nations amid escalating global conflicts, severe budgetary constraints, and ongoing debates over reforming multilateral institutions.
Ally Mwizerwa
Rwandatribune
