By Fatou Krubally
Former Senegalese President, Macky Sall has withdrawn his candidacy for United Nations secretary-general following successive informal votes at the UN Security Council that indicated stronger support for a candidate from Latin America and the Caribbean.
Sall announced his decision in a statement dated Oct. 17 in Marrakech, Morocco, a day after the latest informal voting on Oct. 16.
He said the decision followed consultations with Burundi President Évariste Ndayishimiye, the African Union’s incumbent chairperson, and Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, both of whom had supported his candidacy.
Sall said his withdrawal was guided by a sense of responsibility and the desire to facilitate consensus among Security Council members on the choice of the next head of the world body.
He said successive informal votes had pointed towards support for a candidate from Latin America and the Caribbean, potentially a woman.
The former Senegalese leader expressed gratitude to Ndayishimiye and Faye for backing his bid, as well as to Security Council members who had supported him during the selection process.
He also thanked his campaign team, religious and traditional authorities, political organisations, civil society groups and supporters in Senegal and abroad for their contributions to his campaign.
Despite withdrawing from the race, Sall reaffirmed his commitment to the founding principles of the United Nations, including the promotion of international peace and security, economic and social development, international cooperation and dialogue among nations.
He called for reforms to the organisation’s working methods and functioning, arguing that the UN must adapt to a changing global environment marked by growing conflicts, geopolitical rivalries and unprecedented economic and financial challenges.
Sall also emphasised the need for Africa to strengthen its voice in global governance and sustain its contribution to international peace, security and development.
He concluded by wishing success to whoever is appointed to succeed the current UN secretary-general.