Former Senegalese President Macky Sall has thrown his hat into the ring to become the next UN Secretary-General, succeeding Antonio Guterres whose tenure ends on December 31, 2026.
Sall was nominated by Burundi in its role as chair of the African Union (AU), making him the sole African candidate in the running.
Sall, who led Senegal from 2012 to 2024, brings a wealth of experience to the table, having overseen major infrastructure and economic reforms in his country.
He also served as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2007 and headed the National Assembly under former President Abdoulaye Wade.
Other candidates in the running include Rafael Grossi, Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and Michelle Bachelet, former President of Chile and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
The selection process is expected to intensify in the coming months, with nominations closing on April 1, 2026.
