Former Senegal president Macky Sall withdraws from UN secretary-general race

Former Senegalese President Macky Sall has withdrawn his candidacy for United Nations Secretary-General following an unfavourable vote by the UN Security Council.

According to Channels Television, Sall announced his withdrawal on Saturday after Friday’s informal vote failed to produce a consensus among candidates seeking to succeed António Guterres.

Sall reportedly received five favourable votes and 10 negative votes during the selection process.

The former president said his decision followed consultations with Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye and Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

“I made this decision with a profound sense of responsibility, hoping to contribute to the emergence of a consensus candidacy within the Security Council,” Sall said.

He reaffirmed his commitment to international peace, security and cooperation despite withdrawing from the contest.

The selection process continues, with Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan among the leading contenders.

Guterres, whose tenure expires in December 2026, will be succeeded by a candidate recommended by the Security Council and appointed by the General Assembly.