Few months to the end of Moussa Faki Mahamat’s second term as African Union (AU) Chairperson, four candidates from Mauritius, Kenya, Djibouti and Madagascar have declared to run for the position come February 2025 when elections are held. Mahamat has held the position since 14th March 2017. The Chairperson of the AU Commission is usually elected by the Assembly of Heads of States and Government for a four-year term, subject to re-election for a second term. The Chairperson is head of the African Union and doubles as the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Legal Representative of the AU.
Candidates for the Chairperson’s position include, Raila Odanga, Kenya’s former Prime Minister, Mahmoud Ali Youssef, Djibouti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, since 2005, Anil Gayan, former Foreign Minister of Mauritius between 1983 and 1986, and again from 2000 to 2003 and Richard Mahitsison Randriamandrato, former Foreign Minister of Madagascar from March to October 2022. Each candidates have submitted the requisite documents for the position since 6th August, 2024.
A key criterion for one to be qualified to run for the Chairperson’s position is a candidate must be either be a former President, a former Foreign Affairs Minister or a former Prime Minister from among the 55 State Members of the AU. The roles of the Chairperson include, promoting the objectives of the Commission and work towards the realization of same, enhancing the performance of the Commission, working in close relation with state members, overseeing administrative functions and finances of the Commission, and the execution of other functions which the Assembly of Heads of State may determine.
With the many challenges facing the continent, effective leadership is needed to address them. Africa stands at a crossroad with the opportunity to create the ‘Africa We Want,’ and the election of the Chairperson is crucial in that regard. The top eight positions for February 2025 elections are:
- Chairperson
- Deputy Chairperson
- Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment
- Political Affairs, Peace and Security
- Education, Science, Technology and Innovation
- Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development
- Economic Development, Tourism, Trade, Industry and Mining
- Infrastructure and Energy
Do they understand the needs of the African people and the challenges facing the continent?
Do they know about Agenda 2063 and are ready to work towards its realization or it’s an opportunity to achieve their political ambitions?
In order to win the election for the prestigious Chairperson’s position, candidates must secure two-thirds of votes cast from AU member states. With so many competing interests and strong regional support for each candidate, the race is expected to be highly competitive.
