Former Senegalese president Macky Sall’s campaign for the UN Secretary-General post is generating significant tension within the African Union (AU).
Although the AU initially called for member states to unite behind Sall backed by a March 26 draft decision citing his leadership experience several countries are openly rejecting the move.
Senegal’s own government has distanced itself, stating it has not endorsed Sall’s candidacy.
Rwanda has accused Burundi, whose president Evariste Ndayishimiye currently chairs the AU, of trying to impose Sall as the AU’s chosen candidate, highlighting deep internal fractures.
According to the AU Commission, about 20 member states “broke the silence” required for fast-track approval, meaning the draft decision supporting Sall “has not been adopted.”
Sall, who served as Senegal’s president from 2012 to 2024, has faced political unrest since leaving office.
