At a time when the United Nations increasingly resembles an organization paralyzed by overlapping vetoes and extreme polarization of major powers, the profile of the next Secretary-General is of paramount importance. In this complex search for a global diplomatic leader, the candidacy of Macky Sall emerges with unique relevance.
It would be tempting, and deeply reductionist, to label him as “the African candidate.” The reality of his journey outlines a different ambition: that of the ultimate synthesis candidate, capable of rising above the fray to unite a fragmented international community.
What characterizes the former Senegalese president on the global stage is primarily a strategic neutrality. In a fractured world, he possesses the rare asset of being able to sit at the same table as Americans, Chinese, and Russians, while being listened to by all. The facts speak for themselves. During the Russia-Ukraine crisis, while holding the presidency of the African Union, Macky Sall did not remain confined to an observer role. He used this centrality to emerge as a decisive co-promoter of the agreement on secure shipping corridors, narrowly averting a devastating famine in East Africa.
His ability to listen to divergent positions to forge a consensus of action is the hallmark of a man who advocates for inclusive multilateralism. It is this same diplomatic tenacity that, under his tenure, led to a historic achievement: securing a permanent seat for Africa within the G20.
Observing his candidacy, one sees the culmination of a great Senegalese diplomatic tradition, embraced and modernized. He follows in the direct continuity of the nation’s founding fathers, drawing from Leopold Sedar Senghor’s “integral universalism,” and borrowing from Abdou Diouf the rigor and pragmatism of state. Macky Sall synthesizes this heritage to propose a true inclusive universalism today, a doctrine where every nation, big or small, finds its place in global governance. He also aligns with Abdoulaye Wade, the initiator of major infrastructure policies that profoundly transformed and modernized the country during Macky Sall’s presidency.
A UN Secretary-General must first prove he can put out fires. On this front, the international experience of the former ECOWAS president in office speaks for itself. Before claiming to pacify the world, Senegal successfully pacified and stabilized its immediate neighborhood under his leadership. Dakar played a crucial role in restoring constitutional order and democracy in The Gambia, while also being an indispensable stabilizer in Guinea-Bissau.
Today, the UN no longer needs a divisive bureaucrat or a standard-bearer labeled for a specific bloc. With his proven ability to speak to all capitals and his concrete experience in crisis resolution, Macky Sall embodies the essential balance point to reignite multilateralism.
By Francois Dry, Editorial Committee – Casablanca
