Four candidates vie for UN Secretary-General position
via SeneNews2 min read
Four candidates, Michelle Bachelet of Chile, Rafael Grossi of Argentina, Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica, and Macky Sall of Senegal, will undergo three-hour questioning sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday by 193 member states and civil society representatives. This marks only the second time the UN has organized this "grand oral" event, established in 2016 for increased transparency. The next Secretary-General is set to assume office on January 1, 2027. US Ambassador Mike Waltz has stated that the chosen candidate must align with "American values and interests." The five permanent members of the Security Council—the United States, China, Russia, the United Kingdom, and France—ultimately hold the candidates' futures in their hands. Many states advocate for a woman to lead the UN for the first time, and Latin America claims the position based on a tradition of geographical rotation. Michelle Bachelet, 74, a Chilean socialist and former President of Chile 2006-2010, 2014-2018, faced criticism during her tenure as High Commissioner for Human Rights 2016-2022 from China regarding her report on the Uyghurs. Her candidacy is supported by Mexico and Brazil, after her own country withdrew support following the election of far-right President José Antonio Kast. Rafael Grossi, 65, a career diplomat from Argentina, has directed the International Atomic Energy Agency IAEA since 2019, focusing on the Iranian nuclear program and the dangers of the Zaporizhzhia power plant. He advocates for the
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
Must ReadThe Urban Security unit of Dakar's Central Police Station has dismantled a criminal network involved in the illegal import and sale of medical products. Two individuals were arrested on charges including criminal association, international trafficking of medical products, illegal practice of the pharmacy profession, and endangering the lives of others. The investigation began with the interception of a delivery person transporting suspicious medications, who admitted knowledge of the illicit nature of the products. This led investigators to Almadies 2, where the network's owner was apprehended in her apartment. A search of the residence uncovered over 1,200 capsules, dozens of bottles of syrups, unidentified liquids and ampoules, stocks of tea, creams, soaps, "Gomez" pots, 300 labels for consumer deception, and a safe containing proceeds from illegal sales. The owner admitted to importing these substances from Côte d'Ivoire, stating they were marketed for breast or buttock augmentation, weight loss, or rapid weight gain. The National Police emphasize that using such products outside authorized medical channels poses fatal risks to vital organs and overall health. The suspects are in custody, and the investigation continues to identify potential accomplices.
Must ReadMasseck Sarr has been charged and placed under a detention order following his arrest last Wednesday by the Saint-Louis Research Brigade. The charges stem from statements made during an online live broadcast, which authorities consider insults targeting religious leaders. The offensive remarks specifically targeted Serigne Touba, the founder of Mouridism. The investigation is ongoing, and other individuals suspected of involvement in this case are actively being sought by gendarmerie forces.
West Ham secured a 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace, a result that keeps them two points clear of the relegation zone. The match, part of the 33rd Premier League matchday, saw both teams create chances in the first half without scoring. Tottenham Hotspur, currently in the relegation zone, benefits from West Ham not extending their lead. In the second half, the introduction of Ismaïla Sarr added dynamism for Palace, and a late goal was disallowed by VAR due to a handball by Jean-Philippe Mateta. Crystal Palace remains 13th with 43 points, while West Ham is 15th with 33 points, with Tottenham in 18th place with 31 points.
Must ReadIn New York, former President of Senegal, Macky Sall, addressed the issue of LGBT rights during discussions with civil society actors regarding his candidacy for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations. He stated his commitment to defending the United Nations Charter, human rights, and human dignity, but emphasized that the subject of LGBT rights should not be imposed. Sall noted that he never accepted its imposition during his time in power.