Although two candidates have been officially nominated so far, Michelle Bachelet (nominated 2 February 2026) and Rafael Mariano Grossi (nominated 26 November 2025), diplomatic circles indicate that Macky Sall is emerging as a strong African contender should his nomination be formally submitted.
The position of Secretary-General rotates informally among regional groups. With incumbent António Guterres completing his second and final term at the end of 2026, many observers argue that it is Africa’s turn to lead the world body. The continent has not held the post since Kofi Annan of Ghana, who served from 1997 to 2006.
This context places Macky Sall in a potentially strategic position, as African leaders and regional blocs weigh consensus around a unified candidate.
Macky Sall served as President of Senegal from 2012 to 2024, overseeing major infrastructure development, economic reforms, and regional diplomacy. During his tenure, he also chaired the African Union, where he played a key role in mediation efforts, climate advocacy, and negotiations around global financial reform for developing countries.
His international profile grew further through engagement with global powers on issues such as debt restructuring, energy transition, and security in the Sahel region. Supporters argue that his leadership experience at both national and continental levels positions him as a credible candidate to navigate the complex geopolitical tensions currently facing the UN.
The Secretary-General selection process is conducted under guidelines established by the UN General Assembly and Security Council. Member states formally submit nominations, after which candidates participate in public dialogues and submit vision statements. The UN Security Council then recommends one candidate to the General Assembly for appointment.
As of now, only Bachelet and Grossi have been officially nominated. However, diplomatic sources suggest that additional nominations including from Africa could be forthcoming before the process advances to the next stage.
The next Secretary-General will assume office on 1 January 2027 at a time of heightened global challenges from armed conflicts and climate change to economic inequality and public health crises.
For Africa, the potential candidacy of Macky Sall symbolises more than individual ambition; it reflects a broader call for stronger African representation in global governance structures.
Whether Senegal or another African state formally submits a nomination remains to be seen. But as discussions intensify, Macky Sall’s name is increasingly part of the conversation about who will lead the United Nations into its next chapter.
