Candidates Emerge in Race for African Union Leadership

The African Union (AU), comprising 55 member states, is set to elect a new chairperson for its commission in February. This election follows the tenure of Moussa Faki Mahamat, who has led the AU Commission since 2017. The candidates vying for this prestigious position include Raila Odinga from Kenya, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf from Djibouti, and Richard Randriamandrato from Madagascar.

On December 13, the three contenders participated in a debate at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where they articulated their visions and strategies for the continent. Key topics included security challenges, economic integration, and necessary reforms within the AU.

Raila Odinga, a prominent figure in Kenyan politics and a former Prime Minister, emphasized Africa's need for enhanced representation on the global stage, particularly at the United Nations Security Council. He proposed that Africa should secure two permanent seats, complete with veto powers, arguing that this is essential for equitable representation given the continent's population of 1.4 billion. Odinga also highlighted the importance of self-sufficiency in funding peace initiatives and urged for a focus on education, healthcare, infrastructure, and trade within Africa.

Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, who has served as Djibouti's foreign minister for many years, stressed the importance of regional unity and self-reliance in security matters. He asserted that African nations must take the lead in addressing their own peace and security challenges, rather than relying on external support, which he believes has hindered sustainable progress. Youssouf pointed out the need for the AU's Peace and Security Council to be more proactive and effective in its resolutions.

Richard Randriamandrato, the former foreign minister of Madagascar, focused on economic development through trade liberalization. He acknowledged that intra-African trade is currently low, at just 12.6%, and advocated for gradual steps toward full trade liberalization to stimulate economic growth and create opportunities for youth and women within the continent. Randriamandrato called for the empowerment of regional economic blocs and a reduction in foreign influence over Africa's security matters.

As the election approaches, the candidates must secure a two-thirds majority from the AU's member states, a process that often requires the formation of strategic alliances and negotiations. Analysts suggest that both Youssouf and Odinga are frontrunners, with Youssouf's multilingual abilities and strong performance in the debate potentially giving him an edge. Cultural and regional dynamics may also play a crucial role in the election outcome.

There is a noticeable absence of female candidates in this election, which has drawn criticism from some observers. The chairperson of the AU Panel of Eminent Africans expressed disappointment regarding the lack of female representation, highlighting the need for greater inclusivity in leadership roles within the AU.

The upcoming election is critical not only for the future leadership of the African Union but also for the direction of African policies on key issues such as security, economic cooperation, and global representation.