Former Senegalese President Macky Sall has announced the withdrawal of his candidacy for the position of United Nations Secretary-General, following an informal vote held in New York by the Security Council.
This decision comes after consultations with Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye, the current Chairperson of the African Union, and Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, the current Chairperson of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The former leader reportedly also faced opposition from three of the five permanent members of the Security Council, whose positions carry considerable weight in the selection process for the next UN chief.
In announcing his withdrawal, Macky Sall reaffirmed his commitment to peace, economic development, and dialogue between nations. He also called for stronger African representation in global governance bodies, FAAPA reports.
Amid intensifying geopolitical rivalries and the fragmentation of international relations, the former Senegalese president emphasized the need for a thorough reform of the United Nations' operations.
The informal vote also highlighted the difficulties faced by the candidates in the race: none of the seven contenders escaped opposition from at least one major power holding a permanent seat on the Security Council.
Macky Sall's withdrawal thus comes amid heightened diplomatic tensions surrounding the succession at the head of the international organization, renewing questions about the African continent's place in global decision-making mechanisms.