Donald Trump's support for Gianni Infantino as UN Secretary-General could upset Macky Sall's bid
via SeneNews2 min read
US President Donald Trump is reportedly considering officially backing FIFA President Gianni Infantino to succeed Ant贸nio Guterres as United Nations Secretary-General at the end of the year. This move could displease former Senegalese President Macky Sall, who is also a candidate for the same position and has the support of the African Union and the current Senegalese executive. According to a White House source cited by the New York Post, Trump believes the 56-year-old Italian-Swiss leader "is respected by the whole world" and possesses "a special ability to bring people together." Their rapport reportedly developed during the organization of the 2026 World Cup, where Infantino showed considerable deference to the American president, even awarding him FIFA's first "Peace Prize." This unexpected candidate, sponsored by Washington, could undermine Macky Sall's plans, especially as Africa and Latin America are advocating for their turn in the geographical rotation for the multilateral organization's leadership. An European candidate supported by Washington could also weaken the African strategy within the Security Council. To secure the position, a candidate must obtain approval from the 15 members of the Security Council, where the five permanent members hold veto power, before being confirmed by the General Assembly. Other international figures, such as former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet and Argentinian Rafael Grossi, current Director General of the IAEA, are also con
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Must ReadDeputy Naya Jarvis Zambl茅 has proposed a national debate on reintroducing the death penalty in C么te d'Ivoire for heinous crimes, sparking significant reactions within the political class. This follows the violent murder of a motorcycle delivery driver in Cocody II Plateaux, which caused widespread shock after a video of the attack circulated on social media, highlighting concerns about insecurity and crime. The alleged perpetrators have been apprehended by the Research and Intervention Brigade BRI. Zambl茅 stated, "I think it is time to open a real debate on the re-establishment of the death penalty in C么te d'Ivoire for the perpetrators of the most heinous crimes." Her stance has fueled discussions among politicians, civil society organizations, and the public. While some believe stricter penalties could deter criminal acts, others emphasize the legal, ethical, and international implications of potentially reinstating capital punishment. The incident underscores growing questions about judicial responses to violent crimes and how to enhance citizen protection. The investigation into the murder continues.
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Public hearings concerning the organization and management of Senegal's campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, initially scheduled to begin on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, have been postponed indefinitely. The National Assembly's Commission on Education, Youth, Sports, and Leisure announced the delay, citing parliamentary calendar constraints. Signed by the commission's president, Honorable Deputy El Hadji Gu猫ye, a communiqu茅 released on Tuesday, July 21, explained that this rescheduling is due to internal parliamentary demands, aiming to better integrate these sessions with ongoing work within the institution. The commission reassured the public that the postponement does not diminish the importance or relevance of these hearings, emphasizing that the additional time will ensure more rigorous preparation and optimal organization for discussions with various invited entities and individuals. The commission reiterated its commitment to transparency, good governance, and accountability in the management of sports affairs in Senegal, with a new calendar to be announced later after consultations.