Former Senegalese President Macky Sall has withdrawn his candidacy for United Nations Secretary-General, following informal voting on October 16 and consultations with the presidents of Burundi and Senegal.
In a statement issued from Marrakech on October 17, Sall said he decided to help facilitate the emergence of a consensus candidate within the UN Security Council.
He said the results of successive informal ballots had indicated support for a candidate from Latin America and the Caribbean, potentially a woman.
Sall thanked Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye, who sponsored his candidacy, and Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who supported his bid. He also expressed gratitude to Security Council members who voted for him, his campaign team and supporters across Africa and beyond.
The former president said his candidacy was motivated by a desire to bring nearly 40 years of public service experience to the United Nations.
Despite withdrawing, Sall said he remained committed to the principles behind his campaign, including peace, security, economic and social development, international cooperation and dialogue between nations.
He also called for a profound transformation of the UN’s working methods and operations, citing escalating conflicts, geopolitical rivalries and growing economic and financial challenges.
Sall stressed that Africa must continue to strengthen its voice in global governance, given the continent’s central role in international peace, security and development.
He concluded by wishing success to the person who will be appointed to lead the United Nations.
