Nigeria has formally voiced its opposition to the candidacy of former Senegalese President Macky Sall for the position of United Nations Secretary- General. The objection specifically targets the African Union's process of adopting Mr. Sall as its preferred candidate, which Nigeria argues was handled improperly and contravenes existing diplomatic standards.
In a formal communication, the Nigerian Embassy in Ethiopia and its Permanent Mission to the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) detailed its concerns. The diplomatic note asserted that the manner in which Mr. Sall's nomination was advanced violated the rules and principles governing such continental decisions.
The mission emphasized that Nigeria's objection is not a personal affront to Mr. Sall or Senegal but rather a matter of procedural correctness. "The nomination of the former President of the Republic of Senegal, His Excellency Macky Sall, as the African Union’s consensus candidate for the position of the United Nations Secretary-General was procedurally incorrect," the statement clarified.
Nigeria’s reservation stems from what it perceives as a deviation from established procedures. Mr. Sall's name was reportedly not included in the list of African candidates presented to the Executive Council during the February AU summit, and it was not subjected to thorough discussion by the heads of state. The submission of a draft decision by Burundi, which held the rotating AU chairmanship, with a short deadline for member states to respond, was viewed as an irregular attempt to gain formal continental endorsement.
The AU noted that 20 of its 55 member states either raised objections or requested an extension for the 24-hour deadline. Fourteen countries formally objected, while six, including Egypt, sought more time. Senegal itself indicated it was not involved in Burundi's initiative.
A significant point of contention for Nigeria is the principle of continental rotation for the UN Secretary-General post. Abuja contends that it is currently the turn of South America and the Caribbean to provide a candidate, and that the African Union's current approach risks jeopardizing its standing and strategic interests within the global multilateral system.
Nigeria expressed its surprise at the swiftness of the decision-making process and the limited timeframe provided for member states to assess the candidacy. The country felt that Mr. Sall's nomination was put forward without the necessary vetting by the African Union's Ministerial Candidature Committee, the designated body for such endorsements.
"The decision to present His Excellency Macky Sall as the African Union’s consensus candidate came to the Federal Republic of Nigeria as a surprise, as the candidate is being fielded for such a coveted position and member states are given such a short time to consider the decision," the diplomatic note stated.
Nigeria underscored that AU member states are committed to a rules-based international order and multilateral procedures, principles it believes were not upheld in this instance.
The position of UN Secretary-General will become vacant at the end of António Guterres' current term. The selection process has generated considerable international interest, with the AU's endorsement being a crucial factor. Mr. Sall's potential lack of AU backing could significantly impact his chances.
Historically, the post has rotated among regions, though the election of Guterres, from Portugal, occurred when Eastern Europe was considered next in line. Latin America is generally viewed as the subsequent region to hold the position.
Candidates were expected to submit their nominations by April 1 to participate in interactive dialogues scheduled for the week of April 20. These dialogues will allow candidates to present their visions and for UN member states to engage in questioning.
In his vision statement, Mr. Sall highlighted the global crises and the growing mistrust in the UN, stressing the need for reform, streamlining, and modernization to address contemporary challenges. He boasts extensive political and diplomatic experience, including serving as AU Chair and as a special envoy for the Paris Pact for People and the Planet. However, his domestic political tenure in Senegal faced significant controversy and judicial scrutiny.
Other individuals reportedly in contention for the UN top job include Rafael Grossi from Argentina, the director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, and Michelle Bachelet from Chile, a former president of her country, though Chile has since withdrawn its support. Rebeca Grynspan from Costa Rica, the Secretary-General of the UN Conference on Trade and Development, is also mentioned as a nominee.
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