Senegal's ex-president withdraws from UN Secretary-General race

Former Senegalese President Macky Sall has withdrawn his candidacy for the United Nations Secretary-General position following the sixth straw poll conducted by the Security Council. In a statement, Sall expressed his hope that his decision would facilitate the emergence of a consensus candidate. The straw poll, held on October 16, revealed that all seven candidates received at least one "discourage" vote from a permanent member of the 15-member Security Council.

Sall cited consultations with Burundi President Evariste Ndayishimiye, the current African Union chairperson, and Senegal President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, who chairs the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), as the reasons behind his withdrawal. He emphasized his commitment to the principles of peace, security, economic and social development, international cooperation, and dialogue among nations.

Sall also called for reforms within the United Nations to adapt to the challenges posed by conflict, geopolitical rivalries, and economic and financial issues.

Brief written by urgent.news from Capital FM Kenya's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.