On 24 July 2026, at the Casa de Nariño in Bogotá, the President of the Republic of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, received President Macky Sall. The former president of Guinea-Bissau and the representatives of Burundi and Senegal to the United Nations attended the audience, which focused on the current and future challenges of multilateralism.
After the meeting, the candidate for UN Secretary-General welcomed the Colombian head of state's "warm welcome" and the "quality of the exchanges". This Latin American stop widens a campaign already conducted across several continents, as the race enters its decisive phase.
The only African candidate in the race, President Macky Sall entered the contest on 2 March 2026, nominated by Burundi. Since 20 July, he has carried Senegal's official candidacy; the Government and the country's entire diplomatic network are mobilised behind it. His vision of an inclusive, impartial and action-oriented Organisation puts dialogue with every member state, large as well as small, at its centre.
In Bogotá as in other capitals, the candidate draws on twelve years as Head of State and on the chairmanship of the African Union in 2022. He spoke for the continent through the health crisis as through the food and energy crises. Africa has not held the office of Secretary-General since Kofi Annan.
The Security Council is expected to hold its first indicative votes in the last week of July, by which the fifteen members gauge support for each candidacy before the recommendation to the General Assembly. Six candidacies have been submitted to date for a term that begins on 1 January 2027.
Africa at its heart, the world in its sights.
Learn more: www.mackysall.net