In a remarkable twist of Senegalese politics, bitter rivals have found common ground on the world stage.

In a major political moment for Senegal, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has officially endorsed his predecessor, Macky Sall, to become the next Secretary-General of the United Nations.

According to a statement from the foreign ministry reported by cbinews.tv, President Faye made the decision after meeting with Sall on Friday.

It is a crucial endorsement for Sall, who governed Senegal from 2012 to 2024 and is now one of five candidates vying to succeed António Guterres, whose term as UN chief ends on 31 December.

President Faye has now instructed his government to “fully mobilise” support for the bid, describing it as “now Senegal's candidacy in the service of Africa,” cbinews.tv reports.

The move is significant, given the deep political divisions between the two men. Faye’s administration has been highly critical of Sall’s record in office, accusing his government of financial mismanagement and political repression, allegations which Sall has denied.

Tensions peaked when Sall’s attempt to postpone the 2024 presidential election triggered deadly protests before being struck down by the Constitutional Council. Faye went on to win that election and succeeded Sall in April 2024.

While Burundi, which holds the African Union’s rotating presidency, had already nominated Sall for the top UN role, Senegal had until now stopped short of publicly backing him.

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