Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema supports Macky Sall’s candidacy for the post of Secretary-General of the United Nations. He made this clear in Paris during an exclusive interview with Africa24, as part of the Gabonese Head of State’s state visit to France. The former Senegalese president, who is up against three other candidates, is aiming to succeed Antonio Guterres from January 2027.
The President of Gabon, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, during his State visit to Paris on 20 July 2026, expressed his support for the candidacy of former Senegalese President Macky Sall for the post of Secretary-General of the United Nations in an exclusive interview with Africa24. According to the Gabonese leader, Africa should collectively support the candidacy of one of the continent’s distinguished sons. Gabon’s endorsement comes three days after Senegal’s official backing: on 17 July, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye received Macky Sall in Dakar and announced the full support of the Senegalese State for his candidacy.
« First of all, I would like to commend President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of the Republic of Senegal for receiving his predecessor. It is a gesture of statesmanship, a gesture that honours Africa. Having lived in Senegal as a diplomat for five years during President Macky Sall’s tenure, I believe he is someone who can bring meaningful reforms to the United Nations. He is a man who works hard, and personally, I have confidence in him. »
Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, President of the Republic – Gabon
Macky Sall is one of four candidates seeking to succeed Portuguese Secretary-General António Guterres, whose second term ends on 31 December 2026. He is competing against Michelle Bachelet of Chile, former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights; Rafael Grossi of Argentina, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); and Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica, Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
« We must put an end to divisions among Africans. We must stand together so that Africa can move forward. I believe all African countries should unite and mobilise in support of former President Macky Sall’s candidacy, now that Senegal has officially put him forward. In my humble opinion, he is an excellent choice for Africa. »
Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, President of the Republic – Gabon
Macky Sall’s candidacy for the United Nations was submitted on 2 March 2026 by Burundi, whose President, Évariste Ndayishimiye, currently holds the rotating Chairmanship of the African Union. His vision document, entitled « Reinventing Multilateralism for a Better World, » advocates reform of global governance, an approach that links peace and development, and a more inclusive, transparent and effective United Nations. On the campaign trail, the Senegalese candidate has stepped up his international engagements to strengthen support for his bid, while calling for greater African unity on issues of global governance.
