By Haddy Touray
A total of 281 Senegalese personalities, including former heads of institutions, ex-prime ministers, ministers, members of parliament and civil society actors, have signed a declaration supporting former President Macky Sall’s candidacy for the post of Secretary-General of the United Nations.
According to the declaration released on Monday, the signatories said their diverse backgrounds and political and social commitments give the initiative its strength and credibility.
They stressed that the candidacy is of a national and historical nature, stating that it does not belong to any political grouping but concerns Senegal’s international image and Africa’s representation on the global stage.
The statement highlights Macky Sall’s political career, from student leadership to his roles as mayor, minister, President of the National Assembly and President of the Republic, describing him as a seasoned statesman with experience in leadership and governance.
The signatories also cite his continental responsibilities, including his tenure as chair of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union, as well as his involvement in addressing global issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia–Ukraine conflict and international governance reforms.
They argue that a Senegalese national leading the United Nations would represent a historic milestone for the country and a significant moment for Africa, which they say is aspiring to greater representation in international institutions.
The declaration further states that Africa is awaiting its third UN Secretary-General and its first from both the Francophone world and the Muslim community, in reference to Macky Sall’s profile.
It adds that in a context of global crises, the former president represents leadership capable of consensus-building and collective solutions.
The signatories concluded by calling for broad national support, urging political actors, civil society, religious leaders and the Senegalese diaspora to rally behind what they described as a shared national ambition.
