Macky Sall, the former president of Senegal, has formally declared his intention to run for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations, positioning himself as one of the leading African candidates in the race to succeed António Guterres when his term concludes at the end of this year. The announcement came after Burundi, representing the African Union, officially notified the UN of Sall's candidacy on March 2, 2026, indicating considerable continental support for his bid.

Sall’s presidency from 2012 to 2024 has laid the groundwork for his candidacy, as there is a growing call for a more significant African presence in the UN, a body traditionally influenced by regional power dynamics. The context of Sall's candidacy reflects the ongoing discourse around the importance of diversity in leadership positions within the UN, especially amidst demands for both African and Latin American representatives, as well as the first woman to hold the position.

Joining Sall in the race are several notable candidates, including Argentine diplomat Rafael Grossi, the current director of the International Atomic Energy Agency, and former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet, who has received joint support from Chile, Brazil, and Mexico. This competitive environment underscores the increasingly global perspective on international leadership, especially as nations advocate for representation that reflects a more equitable distribution of power within international institutions.