Macky Sall UN Secretary-General — African civil society organisations from various regions have come together to express their support for Macky Sall, the former president of Senegal, as a candidate for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations. According to reports from Seneweb and Burkina24, these groups convened in Cotonou, Benin, where they coordinated their efforts to promote Sall’s candidacy. Their endorsement is based on values such as peace, dialogue, and multilateralism, which they believe Sall embodies.

The gathering in Cotonou brought together representatives from a range of African non-governmental organisations. During their meeting, participants discussed strategies to advance Sall’s candidacy both within Africa and on the international stage. They highlighted their intention to mobilise support not only among African states but also among global actors, presenting Sall as a figure capable of building consensus and encouraging cooperation among nations.

This move by African civil society groups reflects a broader desire for increased African participation and influence within the United Nations. The continent’s representatives have often called for greater representation in international institutions, and the backing of Sall is seen as part of ongoing efforts to ensure that African perspectives are more prominently included in global decision-making processes.

Those involved in the Cotonou meeting stressed the importance of unity and collaboration in their campaign. They argued that Sall’s experience and leadership could contribute to strengthening dialogue and peace at the international level. By rallying behind a single candidate, the organisations hope to present a unified African front in the ongoing selection process for the next UN Secretary-General.

The official procedure for choosing the next Secretary-General is still in progress, and the field of candidates remains open. However, the public mobilisation of African civil society in support of Sall is seen as a significant step. Observers suggest that such grassroots initiatives may have an impact on how member states view the candidates, potentially shaping the outcome of the selection process.

As the campaign continues, the organisations backing Sall plan to intensify their advocacy efforts, reaching out to other civil society actors and governments both within Africa and beyond. Their goal is to build momentum for Sall’s candidacy and to reinforce the message that Africa seeks a stronger voice in the leadership of the United Nations.