By Haddy Touray
Former Senegalese President Macky Sall has called for peace and diplomacy in addressing global tensions as he seeks to become the next Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Speaking to reporters after an informal dialogue on Wednesday, Sall stressed the need for mediation and restraint in conflicts involving major global actors, including the United States, Israel and Iran.
“We don’t need more bombs. We don’t need missiles. We need peace,” he said, urging all parties to maintain ceasefires and pursue lasting agreements through dialogue. He also expressed support for mediation efforts led by Pakistan to end the war between the US and Israel on one hand against Iran.
Sall, who served as Senegal’s president from 2012 to 2024, is among candidates vying to succeed incumbent UN chief António Guterres, whose term ends on 31 December 2026.
Although endorsed by Burundi, Sall’s candidacy has not received backing from Senegal or the African Union.
He further highlighted the link between security and development, advocating an integrated approach that connects peace, economic progress and human rights, with particular attention to vulnerable groups, including women and youth.
Four candidates are participating in this week’s informal dialogues, a significantly smaller number compared to the 2016 selection process that led to Guterres’ appointment.
Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet was the first candidate to appear before representatives of the UN’s 193 member states on Tuesday. She was followed by Argentina’s Rafael Mariano Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Earlier on Wednesday, Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development, also presented her vision before the General Assembly ahead of Sall’s session.
Deep divisions among global powers continue to hinder the United Nations’ ability to fulfill its core mandate of maintaining international peace and security.
The Security Council has been unable to take decisive action on major conflicts, including those in Ukraine, Gaza and Iran, leaving the organisation largely sidelined in key global crises.
The Secretary-General is appointed by the General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council, with no fixed deadline for the announcement of the successful candidate.
