The African Union (AU) is preparing for the election of its next Commission Chairperson, scheduled for February 2025. This election will determine the successor to the current Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat.

In line with the AU’s rotational principle, the upcoming Chairperson is expected to hail from the Eastern African region.

• Raila Odinga (Kenya): A prominent political figure and former Prime Minister of Kenya, Odinga has been actively involved in African politics and development initiatives. He is advocating for Africa to secure two permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council to enhance the continent’s global representation.
  Associated Press
• Mahamoud Ali Youssouf (Djibouti): Serving as Djibouti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Youssouf brings extensive diplomatic experience, particularly in regional security matters. He emphasizes the need for increased resources for a regional standby force to address conflicts and political instability within Africa.
• Mohamed El-Amine Souef (Comoros): As the current Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Comoros, Souef has a background in peacekeeping and security, having previously served as the African Union’s Special Representative and Head of the AU Mission in the Central African Republic. His candidacy focuses on enhancing the AU’s role in conflict resolution and peacebuilding.
• Fawzia Yusuf Adam (Somalia): Former Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Somalia, Adam is notable for being the first woman to hold these positions in her country. Her candidacy underscores the importance of women’s representation and leadership within the AU.

The candidates have engaged in discussions on several critical topics, including:

• UN Security Council Representation: There is a unified call among the candidates for Africa to obtain two permanent seats on the UN Security Council, aiming to better represent the continent’s interests on the global stage.
• Regional Security: Youssouf has highlighted the necessity of bolstering resources for a regional standby force to effectively manage conflicts and political instability across Africa.
• Economic Integration: Odinga emphasizes the significance of intra-African trade as a catalyst for economic growth and development, advocating for policies that facilitate trade among African nations.
• AU Reforms: All candidates support proposed reforms to the AU’s structure and leadership, aiming to enhance the organization’s efficiency and responsiveness to continental challenges.

The election will take place during the AU Summit in February 2025, where member states will vote to select the new Chairperson. A two-thirds majority is required for a candidate to win. In the lead-up to the election, candidates are expected to participate in the Mjadala Afrika Leadership Debate, scheduled for was December 13, 2024, at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa. This debate provides a platform for candidates to present their vision statements and address pressing issues facing the AU.

The selection of the next AU Commission Chairperson is pivotal as Africa navigates complex challenges, including security threats, economic integration, and the pursuit of greater representation in international institutions. The incoming Chairperson will play a crucial role in steering the AU’s agenda towards achieving the goals outlined in Agenda 2063, the continent’s strategic framework for inclusive and sustainable development.