Macky-Diomaye hearing: Me Madické Niang, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, gives his opinion

Madické Niang, the former Senegalese Minister of Foreign Affairs, commented on the audience granted by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to Macky Sall, a candidate for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN). He shares his opinion on the matter in an opinion piece, which we present below.

"The audience granted by His Excellency the President of the Republic, Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, to his predecessor, President Macky Sall, within the framework of discussions relating to the latter's candidacy for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations, has significant political and diplomatic implications.

Beyond partisan sensitivities, this approach serves as a reminder that when the higher interests of the nation and the continent are at stake, a sense of duty to the state and responsibility must prevail. Senegal's major international ambitions transcend political divisions and call for unity.

Serving Africa, defending its interests, and promoting its place in international bodies is a responsibility shared by all Africans. It is in this spirit that I had the honor of carrying out the mission entrusted to me by the African Union in preparation for the elections in São Tomé and Príncipe.

The candidacy of a Senegalese national for the highest administrative position in the United Nations transcends purely national boundaries. It embodies the aspirations of Africa and, more broadly, those of developing countries for a more balanced, representative, and inclusive global governance.

The next Secretary-General of the United Nations will be called upon to lead the Organization in an international context marked by major challenges: consolidating peace and security, reforming the international financial architecture, debt relief, combating climate change, promoting human rights and strengthening a more inclusive multilateralism, notably through a more equitable representation of Africa on the Security Council.

In this regard, Africa has women and men whose experience and skills are recognized at the highest level. President Macky Sall is among these figures whose background, experience in international affairs, and responsibilities constitute assets in a competition of this magnitude.

I commend the strong sense of public service demonstrated by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and President Macky Sall in prioritizing dialogue on an issue that affects Senegal's image, influence, and standing on the international stage. This approach honors our country and reinforces its diplomatic tradition.

While we recently celebrated the centenary of President Abdoulaye Wade, whose commitment to African integration remains a reference, let us remember that great African causes require a mobilization that goes beyond the political considerations of the moment.

Africa deserves to play its rightful role in global governance. If conditions are right, the time has come to responsibly support any credible African candidate who can strengthen the continent's voice within the United Nations.

Beyond differences of opinion, let us prioritize what unites us when the interests of Senegal, Africa, and multilateralism are at stake.