Africa’s Divided Support for Macky Sall and the Historic Call for a Woman to Lead the UN

As António Guterres prepares to step down as Secretary-General at the end of 2026, the race to succeed him as United Nations Secretary-General has intensified. Africa, long aspiring to see one of its own lead the UN, put forward Macky Sall, former President of Senegal and ex-Chair of the African Union. Yet instead of rallying behind him, African leaders have shown fractured support — a division that risks undermining the continent’s claim to the role. At the same time, global momentum is building for the historic appointment of a woman to the UN’s highest office.

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Macky Sall’s Candidacy

Credentials

Former President of Senegal (2012–2024), Chair of the African Union (2022–2023).

Strengths

• Experience in regional diplomacy
• Reputation as a pragmatic leader
• Symbolic representation of Africa’s demand for global leadership

Weaknesses

• Domestic controversies in Senegal
• Accusations of democratic backsliding
• Suppression of opposition

Africa’s Divided Voice

The African Union initially signaled support for Sall through its “silence procedure,” but several key states objected:

• South Africa: Criticized the endorsement process as undemocratic and lacking transparency.
• Nigeria: Questioned Sall’s democratic record and suggested Africa should support a female candidate.
• Ethiopia: Raised concerns about the legitimacy of the AU’s procedure.
• Algeria: Opposed Sall due to his close ties with Morocco, its regional rival.

Snapshot Table: African Positions

The Historic Call for a Woman Leader

Since 1945, no woman has ever served as UN Secretary-General. All nine officeholders have been men. This absence has become increasingly glaring, especially as women have led major UN agencies and served as High Commissioners for Human Rights.

• Michelle Bachelet (Chile): Former President of Chile and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Widely respected for her democratic credentials and human rights advocacy.
• Other Female Leaders: Names from Latin America and Europe are being floated, reflecting global momentum for gender equity.

Gender Representation at the UN

The Global Chessboard

The UN selection process involves both the General Assembly and the Security Council, where the five permanent members (US, UK, France, Russia, China) hold veto power.

• Africa’s Weakness: Divided support for Sall diminishes his chances in Security Council straw polls.
• Latin America’s Strength: Unified backing for Bachelet positions her as a strong contender.
• Global Momentum: Advocacy groups and civil society campaigns are pushing hard for the first female Secretary-General.

Comparative Strengths & Weaknesses

Timeline of the 2026 Selection Process

• Early 2026: Candidate nominations begin.
• Mid-2026: Informal dialogues at the General Assembly.
• Late 2026: Security Council straw polls and formal recommendation.
• December 2026: General Assembly vote.
• January 2027: New Secretary-General takes office.

Africa’s long-awaited turn at the UN uncertain

Macky Sall’s candidacy was meant to symbolize Africa’s long-awaited turn at the UN’s helm. Instead, divisions among African leaders have weakened his bid and exposed the continent’s challenges in presenting a united front. As Sall falters, the historic call for a woman Secretary-General grows louder.

The 2026 race may ultimately be remembered not for Africa’s fractured voice, but for the moment the world finally broke the UN’s glass ceiling — ushering in the first woman to lead the organization in its 80-year history.