Survey claiming Macky Sall as UN Secretary-General frontrunner found to be unfounded

The post, which circulated widely on social media and was picked up by several Senegalese media outlets, cited a poll by "Holding Price Limited" and was attributed to "Farid Ruben, Professor of Geopolitics in Washington, United States." Africa Check's investigation found inconsistencies, including an inability to verify information about "Holding Price Limited," which was described as both American and British, and no trace of the purported author. The viral text also asserted that Macky Sall's candidacy had the support of the African Union, but verifications indicate this support was not secured.

Twenty of the 55 member states opposed his candidacy, exceeding the 18 oppositions needed to prevent official endorsement. Macky Sall's candidacy was introduced by Burundi on March 2, 2026. The investigation suggests a coordinated dissemination, with the text initially shared by an X account titled "Macky Sall pour l’ONU" and then amplified by other accounts favorable to the former president, as well as unverified reports by some Senegalese media.

"Holding Price Limited" has previously been cited in other African election polls, including one in December 2025 for the Central African presidential election, which presented the incumbent Faustin-Archange Touadéra as the strong favorite. Mac