by Stefano Vaccara
NEW YORK (USA) (ITALPRESS) – The first phase of the Interactive Dialogues at the General Assembly of the United Nations with the hearing and stakeout of former Senegalese president Macky Sall, the last of the four candidates so far running for the succession of António Guterres to UN Secretary General. After the performances of the previous days, with Rafael Grossi and Michelle Bachelet on the first day and Rebeca Grynspan on the second, the attention of the Wednesday evening focused on Sall, whose candidacy represents the most markedly political profile among those presented so far. During the three hours of hearing, Sall outlined a vision based on three pillars – peace and security, human rights and development – insisting on the need for an integrated approach to address global crises. He claimed his international path, from the Senegalese presidency to the head of the African Union, underlining the role of the “Global South” in a phase of transformation of the international order.
But it is in the stakeout with the press that the main difficulties emerged. The questions of journalists focused on two key aspects: the traditional geographical rotation, which would see favoured Latin American candidates, and above all the lack of official support from his own country. At the latter point, Sall replied that despite not obtaining the support of Senegal, he had instead had the support of Burundi, but without being able to dispel doubts about one of the most critical elements of his candidacy. The comparison has been made at times tense, with often articulated answers between English and French and a management not always fluid of the most direct questions. While reitering the centrality of dialogue and multilateralism, Sall appeared less comfortable than the other candidates.
With his speech, this first audition session ends, pending any new applications. A passage that, although not decisive, has already offered clear indications on the balances in the field in a race where, more than the statements, counts the ability to avoid vetoes between the great powers.
– photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
