Candidates for AU Commission Chairperson Seat
Candidates for AU Commission Chairperson Seat
Candidates for AU Commission Chairperson Seat
The competition for Kenya’s candidacy as chairperson of the Africa Union Commission has intensified dramatically in the last few days.
This article provides a thorough evaluation of each of the three candidates seeking the prominent position, taking into account their individual backgrounds.
A lot of interest has been shown in the competition to become the Chairpersonship of the African Union Commission (AUC) for the 2025–2029 term, with participants coming from Eastern Africa.
This increase in interest is a result of the African Union Executive Council’s unanimous decision on March 15 to assign the Eastern Africa region the task of proposing candidates for the prestigious post of Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC).
The decisive vote took place at the 22nd Extraordinary Session of the African Union Executive Council, which was held in Adidas Ababa.
Three strong contenders are currently leading the race for Africa’s most important leadership position: Raila Odinga of Kenya, Fawzia Yusuf Adam of Somalia, and the most recent entry, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti.
Raila Odinga, Kenya
Many observers clearly see Raila Odinga, the nominee from Kenya, as a front-runner. Odinga is a civil engineer by trade, and his experience with African politics is reinforced by the heads of state in East Africa endorsing the same candidate.
Eight nations make up the East African Community (EAC), which has its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania. They are Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Somalia’s decision to nominate a candidate adds an intriguing dynamic to the race.
Raila Amolo Odinga, born in 1945 to Kenya’s first Deputy President, Oginga Odinga, boasts a rich political history in Kenya.
His tenure as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 was marked by significant national and regional engagements. Despite unsuccessful presidential bids, Odinga’s commitment to democratic principles and human rights advocacy has remained unwavering.
Having served as the Member of Parliament for Langata Constituency and subsequently assuming the role of Leader of the Opposition since 2013, Odinga’s political journey has been characterised by resilience and determination.
His activism dates back to the 1970s and ’80s, during which he endured imprisonment without trial under accusations of subversion.
He made a significant impact on Kenya’s political scene, particularly with the drafting of the 2010 Constitution, which is celebrated as a national accomplishment. In addition, his efforts to promote peace and his aptitude for negotiation have been vital in settling disputes and promoting stability.
Odinga’s appointment as the African Union Commission’s High Representative for Infrastructure Development in 2018 is evidence of his diplomatic standing and regional clout.
But the fact that he was fired from this position in February 2023 due to charges of inciting violence highlights how complicated his political career has been.
Fawzia Yusuf Haji Adam, Somalia
Between November 4, 2012, and January 17, 2014, Fawzia Adam, a well-known politician from Somalia, held important positions in the government, including Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister of Somalia.
Adam has encountered some controversy during his political career. She even tried to run for Somaliland’s presidency and once favored Somaliland’s breakaway from Somalia.
But because Somalia claims Somaliland, her Peace, Democracy, and Prosperity Party (NBD), which is registered in Somaliland, was banned prior to the 2010 elections.
Adam made a significant move to Mogadishu in 2012, where she became the first female deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs in Somalia.
Her nomination by Somalia for the chairperson position of the African Union Commission in January 2024 reflects her growing influence and diplomatic prowess.
Currently, Adam leads the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Party in Somalia and serves as a federal MP. Additionally, she is pursuing studies in International Public Policy at the Johns Hopkins University School of International Studies.
If successful, Adam could become only the second female head of the AUC, following in the footsteps of South Africa’s Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.
Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Djibouti
Born on September 2, 1965, Mahamoud Youssouf is a renowned diplomat from Djibouti who has served in the government for a considerable amount of time. Interestingly, he has served as Djibouti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs since 2005.
Youssouf’s diplomatic career commenced at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Djibouti, where he was instrumental in leading the department’s Arab affairs division in the 1990s. Because of his experience and commitment, he was appointed Ambassador to Egypt, a position he held from 1997 to 2001.
Youssouf was given more responsibility after it was determined that he was a skilled diplomat. On July 4, 2001, he was appointed Minister-Delegate for International Cooperation, and on May 22, 2005, he was named Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
His diplomatic activities took him outside of Africa, where in 2006 he made a noteworthy visit to Japan.
Youssouf’s appointment as Chairman of the 129th Ordinary Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Arab League in 2008 is evidence of his diplomatic leadership and further cemented his standing as a reputable figure in regional diplomacy.
