Former Senegalese president Macky Sall has withdrawn his candidacy for United Nations secretary-general, leaving Uganda’s veteran diplomat Olara Otunnu as Africa’s only remaining contender for the top UN post.
Sall said his decision was intended to help build consensus within the UN Security Council, which plays a central role in the selection of the next secretary-general.
His withdrawal narrows Africa’s representation in the contest to Otunnu, a former UN under-secretary-general and seasoned diplomat who has served in several senior international roles.
However, Otunnu faces a difficult path following the latest informal Security Council ballot, in which he reportedly received mostly discouraging votes. The ballot is part of the process through which council members assess candidates before a formal recommendation is made.
Candidates from Latin America and the Caribbean have emerged prominently in the contest, although they, too, face opposition from some permanent members of the Security Council.
Under the UN Charter, the Security Council recommends a candidate for secretary-general, who is then appointed by the General Assembly. The council’s five permanent members — China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States — hold veto power over substantive decisions, making their positions crucial to the selection process.
Sall’s withdrawal leaves Otunnu carrying Africa’s remaining candidacy as the competition continues. His prospects will depend on the evolving positions of Security Council members and whether he can secure the support required to advance through the selection process.
