Macky Sall, un choix stratégique pour l’Afrique au Secrétariat général de l’Organisation des Nations unies ! (Par Ibrahima Baba Sall)
The announcement by Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye, the current Chairperson of the African Union, that President Macky Sall has submitted his candidacy for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations marks a major political turning point in the election for this highly strategic post. It puts an end to the speculation and behind-the-scenes maneuvering of those who, swimming against the tide, were trying to undermine a now well-established momentum: that of a strong, credible, and unifying African candidacy.
This candidacy transcends the individual of President Macky Sall. It embodies a continental ambition. For several years, Africa has been demanding a place more commensurate with its demographic, economic, and geopolitical weight in global governance. The position of UN Secretary-General, while subject to the balance of power within the Security Council, remains a strategic platform for advancing the priorities of the Global South: peace, sustainable development, climate justice, and reform of multilateralism. In this respect, President Macky Sall, born under a lucky star, presents a rare profile, combining national experience, continental leadership, and international respectability.
Former President of the Republic of Senegal (2012-2024), he successfully stabilized his country amidst regional instability while strengthening democratic institutions and implementing transformative economic reforms. Under his leadership, Senegal made significant progress in infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and investment attractiveness. This experience in governing within a real-world African context provides a major advantage for understanding contemporary challenges.
At the continental level, President Macky Sall chaired the African Union in 2022, a year marked by the war in Ukraine, the global food crisis, and energy tensions. His advocacy for African food security and for reform of the international financial architecture was praised far beyond the continent. He also played an active role in regional mediations, reinforcing his image as a man of dialogue and compromise.
The question of the chances of success of such a candidacy inevitably leads back to the Security Council, where the five permanent members with veto power sit: the United States, France, the United Kingdom, China, and Russia. Macky Sall maintains established and pragmatic diplomatic relations with each of these countries.
With France and the European Union, he has developed a close strategic partnership based on security and economic cooperation. With the United States, bilateral relations have been characterized by constant dialogue, particularly on issues of regional stability and governance. China, a key partner in financing infrastructure in Africa, is well aware of his balanced approach, while Russia has also engaged with him in international forums and discussions on food security. This ability to engage in dialogue with all parties, without excessive alignment, is precisely the quality expected of a Secretary-General: to be a bridge between powers, not the representative of one camp.
Beyond diplomatic considerations, President Macky Sall embodies a generation of African leaders who have exercised power in accordance with constitutional rules, leaving office without major institutional crises. This signal is significant in a context where democratic issues remain under international scrutiny. His technocratic background, his mastery of economic matters, and his measured temperament are reassuring.
The silence of the Senegalese authorities is therefore surprising and raises questions. A candidacy of this magnitude should be championed with pride by the country from which the candidate hails. This is not a partisan issue, but a national and continental one. To see a former Senegalese president reach the highest administrative office in the world would be a crowning achievement for Senegal and for Africa. History would remember that the land of Teranga (hospitality) gave the world a champion of global dialogue.
To assert that President Macky Sall is the right, or even the best, choice is not a mere formality. It is to acknowledge that the world is going through a period of fragmentation where multilateralism is weakened. The UN needs someone capable of understanding the North-South divide, of engaging in dialogue with major powers without losing sight of the aspirations of the people, and of representing the voice of a continent that has been marginalized for too long.
In short, President Macky Sall's candidacy is therefore relevant, strategic, and full of hope. It is Africa's candidacy. It deserves the unwavering support of African heads of state, the people of the continent, and, first and foremost, all Senegalese. History sometimes offers rare opportunities. This is one we must seize!
Ibrahima Baba SALL
Former First Vice-President of the National Assembly
Member of Parliament and Mayor of Bakel
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