DAKAR, Senegal — Former Senegalese President Macky Sall has withdrawn from the race to become the next secretary-general of the United Nations, according to economist and author Musa Bassadi Jawara, who attributed the information to sources close to the former president.
Jawara said Sall’s decision followed the informal color-coded straw poll held by the United Nations Security Council on October 16, 2026.
He added that the former president had consulted Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye, the current chair of the African Union, and Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye.
There was no immediate public statement from Sall confirming his withdrawal. According to Jawara, Friday’s straw poll marked a decisive stage in the selection process because ballots cast by the Security Council’s five permanent members could be distinguished from those submitted by its 10 elected members.
Jawara, citing what he described as credible reports from the Security Council, said all seven candidates received at least one red ballot, indicating discouragement from a permanent member.
Sall reportedly received five “encourage” votes and 10 “discourage” votes, including three discouragements from permanent members.
Under the Security Council’s selection process, a candidate must secure at least nine votes and avoid opposition from any of the five permanent members—China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. Opposition from a permanent member can prevent a candidate from advancing.
Jawara said the three reported red ballots effectively ended Sall’s bid. The economist and author had previously argued that Sall’s campaign faced structural obstacles that made victory unlikely.
He said the latest development should not become an occasion for political point-scoring, describing it instead as a moment for “sober reflection.” Reports of Sall’s withdrawal are also expected to renew speculation about his political future in Senegal, including suggestions that he could seek the presidency again in 2029.
Jawara urged the former president not to make an immediate decision about another campaign. He advised Sall to take time away from electoral politics, rest and spend time with his family rather than respond to pressure from political allies or surrogates.
“Take a break and enjoy life for now,” Jawara said. “Decompress. Relax. Family time is the best time.” Despite the reported outcome, Jawara praised Sall for mounting what he described as a determined and energetic campaign that carried significance beyond Senegal. “You ran a hard-fought, passionate, vibrant campaign,” he said in a message addressed to the former president.
“You left it all on the field and you have made Senegal, the West Africa region, and Africa as a whole proud.”
Jawara is an economist and author based in Fairfax, Virginia.
