On 13 August 2026, the Denis Sassou Nguesso University in Kintélé, near Brazzaville, conferred the rank of doctor honoris causa on President Macky Sall. The distinction honours his contribution to the development of Senegal's education system. It was awarded the same day to former Presidents Mahamadou Issoufou of Niger and Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau.
A distinction that honours a record in education. The Congolese university based the title on the action carried out in Senegal for schooling, training and higher education. An academic panel does not grant such recognition for a promise; it rests it on achievements carried out across a full term.
Three former heads of state honoured together. The ceremony recognised three African records on the same day. It is a reminder that the continent's institutions judge a generation of leaders by their results rather than their speeches.
Education, the thread of the UN vision. President Macky Sall's candidacy for the office of UN Secretary-General places development among the conditions of peace, and education at the heart of development. The title received in Brazzaville recognises, beyond Senegal, the consistency between what he has done and what he proposes.
Experience in running a state. Twelve years as head of state and the chairmanship of the African Union in 2022 underpin these commitments. That experience explains why the vision statement filed with the United Nations frames its proposals as obligations: peace, security and development conceived together; a renewed multilateralism; stronger governance of the Organization.
Africa at its heart, the world in its sights.
The Brazzaville ceremony was covered by the Senegalese and regional press on 13 August 2026. Read all public positions at www.mackysall.net