Macky Sall Outlines UN Leadership Vision, Promises Focus on Eastern DRC Security Crisis

Kinshasa/New York, April 12, 2026 - As the race for the next United Nations Secretary-General begins to take shape, former Senegalese President Macky Sall has outlined his vision for global leadership, placing particular emphasis on strengthening Africa’s voice in international decision-making and addressing insecurity in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

The diplomatic engagement took place during a meeting at the Permanent Mission of the DRC to the United Nations, where he was received by Ambassador Zénon Mukongo Ngay. The discussion formed part of early consultations ahead of the selection process for the next UN Secretary-General, whose mandate is set to begin on January 1, 2027, following the end of António Guterres’ tenure.

In his message, Macky Sall recalled recent discussions in Kinshasa with President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, during which he sought support for his candidacy and underscored the strategic importance of the DRC in continental and global affairs.

He stressed the need for a more balanced global economic order, improved access to international financing for developing countries, and stronger multilateral cooperation at a time of rising geopolitical and economic uncertainty.

A central point of his remarks was the security situation in eastern DRC. He pledged that, if elected, he would prioritize efforts to address the crisis, which he attributed to the involvement of external actors, while calling for renewed trust between states, respect for sovereignty, and strengthened regional peace mechanisms.

The comments come as the United Nations formalizes its selection process for the next Secretary-General, which includes the submission of candidatures by member states, publication of candidate vision statements, and a series of public interactive dialogues broadcast globally.

Several high-profile candidates have already been nominated, including international figures such as Michelle Bachelet, Rafael Grossi, and Rebeca Grynspan, alongside Macky Sall.

The process, governed by UN transparency guidelines, is expected to intensify in the coming months as member states engage in consultations ahead of the 2027 leadership transition.