Macky Sall officially withdrew his candidacy for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations (ONU) on Friday, October 17th, from Marrakech. Sall attributes his decision to the growing consensus within the Security Council favoring a female candidate from Latin America and the Caribbean, as indicated by initial voting trends. He states this choice was made with a “deep sense of responsibility” following discussions with Évariste Ndayishimiye, the current chair of the African Union, and Bassirou Diomaye Faye, chair of the Economic Community of West African States (CEDEAO). However, geopolitical expert Régis Hounkpé suggests insufficient support and the threat of another veto were key factors in Sall’s withdrawal. Hounkpé emphasizes Sall lacked the necessary backing to secure a favorable position in the race and faced potential for further opposition. Furthermore, divisions amongst African nations regarding Sall’s candidacy weakened his overall chances, as consensus within the continent was not unanimous. Ultimately, the withdrawal appears to be a result of political and geopolitical factors alongside tactical considerations.