Macky Sall, a former Senegalese president, has officially entered the contest to become the United Nations’ new Secretary-General.
The world organization said on Monday that Burundi has proposed Sall, who led the country from 2012 until 2024, for the top role.
Despite his achievements as president, he continues to face domestic criticism, including charges that his administration concealed the full nature of the country’s fiscal issues.
The world organization will elect a new Secretary-General this year to replace outgoing boss Antonio Guterres for a five-year term beginning January 1, 2027.
Traditionally the job rotates among regions, but when Guterres, who is Portuguese, was elected in 2016, it was supposed to be Eastern Europe’s turn.
The next on the list is Latin America.
Sall joins two other formally nominated candidates: former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet and Argentine diplomat Rafael Grossi, who currently heads the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Costa Rica has also put forward its former vice president Rebeca Grynspan, but the letter of candidacy has not yet been officially submitted to the UN.
This election comes amid a growing push for the United Nations to choose the first female secretary-general in its 80-year history
The Security Council must begin the selection process by the end of July.
