Senegal: Senegal's Faye Backs Ex-President Sall's Bid for UN Top Job in U-Turn

What the report says

AllAfrica, carrying a Radio France Internationale report, says Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has publicly backed former president Macky Sall’s campaign to become the next United Nations secretary-general. Senegal’s foreign ministry announced the decision on Monday after Faye met Sall in Dakar on Friday, shifting from the government’s earlier position of not formally endorsing him. Sall, who led Senegal from 2012 to 2024, is among five contenders seeking to replace Antonio Guterres when his term ends on 31 December.

The ministry said Faye had directed the government to mobilise in support of Sall, framing the bid as Senegal’s candidacy on behalf of Africa. RFI reported that Burundi, currently holding the African Union’s rotating presidency, had nominated Sall. The other named candidates are former Costa Rican vice-president Rebeca Grynspan, former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet, Argentine diplomat Rafael Grossi and Ecuadorian diplomat Maria Fernanda Espinosa.

The endorsement is politically sensitive because Faye came to power after a turbulent transition marked by Sall’s failed attempt to delay the 2024 election, which was blocked by Senegal’s Constitutional Council. Faye, supported by Pastef and Ousmane Sonko, succeeded Sall in April 2024. RFI notes that Faye’s administration and allies have accused Sall’s government of financial mismanagement and repression, claims Sall denies.

Reaction in Senegal has been sharply divided. RFI cites criticism from civil society groups representing families of people killed during protest crackdowns between 2021 and 2024, as well as objections from Pastef figures and Sonko’s camp. Political analysts quoted by RFI said the move may reflect Faye’s search for new political alliances after his fallout with Sonko.