Senegal's Former President Withdraws from UN Secretary-General Race
··2 min read
Former Senegalese President Macky Sall has withdrawn from the race to become the next United Nations Secretary-General. The announcement was made on Saturday, a day after an informal poll by the UN Security Council members.
In the poll, all seven candidates, including Sall, received at least one veto from the Security Council members. This development is significant as it marks the first time a former African head of state has sought the position of UN Secretary-General.
Sall's withdrawal leaves six candidates in the running for the top UN post. The other candidates include former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, former South African President Thabo Mbeki, and former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, among others.
Sall's candidacy had been seen as a strong contender due to his extensive political experience and his role in promoting peace and stability in Africa. His withdrawal comes as a surprise to many, given his strong backing from several African nations and his reputation as a diplomat.
The UN Secretary-General is selected by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council. The process involves informal straw polls, where members of the Security Council cast votes to gauge support for each candidate.
Sall's withdrawal highlights the complexities and challenges of the selection process for the UN's top job. The informal polls are a crucial part of the process, as they help to narrow down the field of candidates and identify potential contenders.
Sall's decision to withdraw from the race comes as a setback for those who had hoped to see an African leader take the helm of the United Nations. The continent has never had one of its own lead the global organization, and Sall's candidacy was seen as a significant step towards that goal.
As the race for the UN Secretary-General continues, the remaining candidates will face intense scrutiny and competition. The next informal poll is expected to take place in the coming weeks, with the final decision expected to be made by the end of the year.
CONTEXT: The UN Secretary-General is one of the most prestigious and influential positions in global politics. The role involves overseeing the UN's operations and promoting peace, security, and development around the world. The selection process is highly competitive and involves extensive lobbying and diplomacy.
