The First Chair Person of Africa Union to cause division in AU! Ladies and gentlemen, President of Burundi Evariste Ndayishimiye.
Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye Faces Criticism for Unprofessional Nomination of Macky Sall.
Former Senegalese President Macky Sall has position of UN Secretary-General, set to succeed António Guterres in 2027.
However, the move has sparked controversy due to its irregular and unprofessional handling. Burundi formally submitted Sall’s candidacy to the United Nations not Senegal, his own country.
The nomination was presented by Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye, who currently chairs the African Union.Critics argue that President Ndayishimiye acted in an unprofessional manner by pushing the bid without clear endorsement from Senegal or a proper continental consensus within the AU.
Usually it should come from the candidate's own country but Senegal's current government under President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has not endorsed the bid, fueling accusations that the former leader is by passing domestic political realities.
Sall left office in April 2024 after a turbulent final year marked by his controversial (and later overturned) attempt to delay presidential elections. His administration faced criticism over the handling of protests that led to dozens of deaths as well as allegations of democratic backsliding.
Since stepping down, Sall has been living in Morocco, where he launched a management consulting firm in early 2025.
Back in Dakar, tensions remain high. The new Senegalese government has signaled plans to pursue legal action against Sall and members of his administration over alleged financial mismanagement, hidden debt, and other irregularities.
Some opposition voices have even called for proceedings on "high treason." In this charged atmosphere, his reliance on a foreign nomination is being viewed by critics as the latest chapter in an unresolved power struggle.
Nigeria has also strongly opposed his nomination.
