African Union ministers back UN hopefuls Sall and Otunnu, but endorsement stalls
The African Union is struggling to consolidate support for its candidates in the race for the next UN Secretary-General. Straw polls indicate mixed reception for candidates like Olara Otunnu and Macky Sall among UN Security Council members.
Why it matters
The lack of a unified AU stance complicates the continent's influence in high-level international diplomatic appointments.
The African Union says it is backing candidates seeking international positions including the two vying for the post of the United Nations Secretary-General, even though it remains cagey on endorsement.
Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, urged AU members to support candidates seeking elections to the various international institutions.
It came as Uganda’s latest entrant Olara Otunnu divided opinion at the UN Security Council, the definitive organ that could determine who becomes the 10th Secretary-General of the UN.
On Thursday, UN straw polls, informally used to gauge the popularity of candidates, revealed a Council mostly undecided on Otunnu’s entry.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in