The bid by former Senegalese president Macky Sall to become the next UN Secretary-General has hit a major setback after failing to secure consensus within the African Union (AU). Burundi, which currently holds the AU’s rotating chairmanship, launched a “silence procedure” on March 2, 2026 a diplomatic mechanism used to approve decisions unless objections are raised. However, more than 20 AU member states broke the silence, effectively blocking a unified endorsement of Sall’s candidacy.
The move exposed growing tensions between Rwanda and Burundi. Kigali criticized the process as lacking transparency and adequate consultation, while Bujumbura defended it as a legitimate and routine AU procedure. The disagreement reflects deeper geopolitical rivalries in the region, particularly over the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Burundi has deployed troops in support of the Congolese government against M23 rebels, who are widely believed by UN experts to have links to Rwanda, an allegation Kigali denies.
Compounding the challenge, Senegal has yet to formally back Sall’s candidacy, leaving him without official continental endorsement at a critical stage of the race. The contest for the UN’s top job is expected to intensify in the coming weeks, with other declared candidates including Rafael Grossi and Rebeca Grynspan. Public hearings for candidates are scheduled to begin on April 20, 2026, as part of the UN’s selection process. The lack of a unified African candidate could weaken the continent’s influence in the race, traditionally shaped by regional consensus and diplomatic backing.
