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鈥攖he United States, China, Russia, the United Kingdom, and France鈥攗ltimately 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 Jos茅 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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Following Spain's 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final, the Ballon d'Or hierarchy has significantly changed. Based on bookmaker odds, individual tournament performances, and the World Cup's traditional influence on France Football journalists' votes, a consensus has emerged around five top candidates. Lamine Yamal of Spain and FC Barcelona leads the projections. At 19, he is a World Cup champion and was a key technical leader for Spain throughout the competition, fulfilling the criteria valued by voters: a collective trophy, impact in major matches, and his established status as a top global prospect. Harry Kane of England and Bayern Munich remains a strong contender due to his high-level club season, despite England's semi-final elimination. Kylian Mbapp茅 of France and Real Madrid, the World Cup's top scorer with 10 goals despite France's semi-final exit, is statistically strong, though the lack of an international trophy this year might hinder his candidacy compared to those associated with Spain's victory. Ousmane Demb茅l茅 of France and Paris SG, the reigning title holder, maintains a credible candidacy due to his consistent season-long performance, even though his World Cup journey with France did not go all the way. Lionel Messi of Argentina, despite the final loss, is still considered a serious contender by several betting markets. His exceptional World Cup, marked by goals and assists, and the symbolic weight of a probable final global tourn
Must ReadGeneral Birame Diop, former Minister of the Armed Forces of Senegal, has been officially appointed president of the Economic Community of West African States ECOWAS Commission for the 2026-2030 term. His appointment was confirmed on July 19, 2026, during the 69th ordinary session of the Conference of Heads of State and Government, held in Freetown, Sierra Leone. General Diop succeeds Omar Alieu Touray as head of the regional institution's executive body. His candidacy, supported by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, was formalized on May 31, 2026, after Senegal was designated to lead the Commission during the 68th ordinary session in Abuja in December 2025, marking a first for the country. This appointment is particularly significant as it coincides with Bassirou Diomaye Faye's selection to assume the rotating presidency of the Conference of Heads of State. This configuration places Senegal at both the political and executive helm of ECOWAS, an unprecedented situation in the organization's history. A career officer with over thirty years of experience, General Birame Diop has held several strategic positions within the Senegalese army, including Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces 2020-2021, Special Chief of Staff to the President of the Republic 2018-2020, and Chief of Staff of the Air Force 2015-2017. He also has international experience, notably with the United Nations, where he served as military advisor to the Secretary-General for peacekeeping operations.
Must ReadAt the 69th Ordinary Session of the Conference of Heads of State and Government, ECOWAS appointed the President of the Republic of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, as the chairman of the regional organization. This designation reflects his influence within the institution and his consistent vision. Before his peers, he presented a clear assessment of the Community's situation, noting a resilient but vulnerable economy, a region weakened by terrorism, and institutions in need of reform. To address these challenges, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye outlined several priorities: operationalizing the regional counter-terrorism force, pooling resources among member states, strengthening the Community's financial autonomy, and better protecting populations affected by insecurity. In accepting this responsibility, Bassirou Diomaye Faye acknowledged ECOWAS's fifty-year legacy of solidarity, integration, and collective development among regional countries. He pledged to uphold this legacy by adapting it to contemporary challenges, including collective security, institutional stability, political and economic sovereignty, and a stronger, more audible, and credible voice for West Africa on the international stage. President Faye concluded the session by proclaiming, "Long live ECOWAS! Long live a reconciled and united West Africa!"