world 17 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)

Macky Sall Withdraws from UN Secretary-General Race

Former Senegalese President Macky Sall has reportedly withdrawn his bid to succeed current UN Secretary-General António Guterres. This development comes amidst leaked reports suggesting a lack of significant traction in the selection process. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/ex-senegal-president-macky-sall-quits-race-to-succeed-un-chief-guterres-5635844

Former Senegalese President Macky Sall is no longer in contention for the position of United Nations Secretary-General. Unconfirmed reports, citing leaked tallies, indicate that Sall’s campaign has not gained sufficient momentum among the key stakeholders involved in the selection process.

This withdrawal effectively ends Sall’s aspirations to lead the international body. The process for selecting a new UN Secretary-General is known for its complexities, involving intricate negotiations and broad consensus-building among member states.

While specific details surrounding Sall’s decision remain undisclosed, the leaked reports suggest that his candidacy, along with that of other potential contenders, was not resonating strongly enough to secure the necessary support. The United Nations is currently in the process of identifying a successor to António Guterres, whose second term is set to conclude.

The race for the top UN post is typically a closely watched global affair, with candidates often emerging from diverse political and geographical backgrounds. The ultimate choice rests with the Security Council, which then recommends a candidate to the General Assembly for final appointment.

The withdrawal of a prominent figure like Macky Sall could potentially reshape the dynamics of the ongoing selection process, potentially opening doors for other candidates or signaling a shift in the preferred profiles for the role. Further updates are expected as the UN navigates this critical leadership transition.