Candidacy of Macky Sall for the UN general secretariat: the RUR welcomes a withdrawal “for unity”

The Network of Republican Academics (RUR), a structure which claims to be part of the Alliance for the Republic, reacted in a press release to the decision of former President Macky Sall to withdraw his candidacy for the post of Secretary General of the United Nations. This withdrawal comes the day after the informal vote of October 16, 2026.

In its text, the RUR presents this gesture as a sacrifice made to promote the search for consensus within the Security Council. He sees it as an act placed “above his personal ambition”, which “testifies to his lofty view, his sense of responsibility and his greatness”. The title of the press release speaks of a “statesman”.

A candidacy submitted on behalf of Africa

The RUR expresses its “deep gratitude” to Macky Sall for having submitted “a candidacy which went beyond his person”. According to him, it reflected the legitimate ambition to see Africa play a greater role in global governance. The network lists the axes of a vision of the United Nations based on the renovation of multilateralism, the promotion of peace, better consideration of the concerns of developing countries and the construction of a fairer, more equitable and more inclusive international order.

Thanks to supporters

The press release then welcomes the diplomatic efforts deployed, in particular those of Évariste Ndayishimiye, current president of the African Union, as well as the commitment of African states and international partners. The RUR also thanks the President of the Republic of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, for his support, as well as Senegalese diplomacy. This mobilization, he believes, reminds us that Senegal’s great international ambitions “can and must bring together the living forces of the Nation”.

The network finally addresses its thanks to the Senegalese men and women, from within and from the diaspora, as well as to the academics, intellectuals and civil society actors mobilized. Committed “from the very beginning” behind this ambition, he says he is convinced that the ideas defended by Macky Sall “retain all their relevance in the face of global challenges”.

“Neither the renunciation of an ambition nor the end of a commitment”

The RUR refuses to see this withdrawal as an end point. “The withdrawal of a candidacy does not mean the renunciation of an ambition nor the end of a commitment,” he writes. He affirms that Africa’s ambition to play its full part in the conduct of world affairs, “up to the highest responsibilities within the United Nations”, remains intact and must continue.

The network finally welcomes Macky Sall’s desire to continue to defend the ideals of multilateralism, peace, solidarity and cooperation between peoples, in the service of Africa and the international community. He renews “his esteem, his recognition and his support”