The African Union is the continental body representing Africa’s 55 countries. It was established in 2002, after the Sirte Declaration in Libya in 1999, and launched three years later in Durban, South Africa. However, the body has been criticised for not advancing Africa’s interests at the global stage, and its lack of presence on the continent leaves much to be desired.
Despite its shortcomings, it remains, and candidates vying for the top position in its upcoming election are making rosy promises to Africans. Learn more about the elections and the candidates here.
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When are the African Union Elections?
The upcoming African Union elections will be held in February 2025. During these elections, the senior leadership of the organization, including the positions of the Chairperson, the Deputy Chairperson, and six commissioners, will be determined.
Who is Contesting for the Chairperson Position?
The Chairperson is the highest position in the organization. Since its inception, it has had 22 chairpersons. Who is vying to be the 23rd?
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Mahmoud Ali Youssouf – Djibouti
Des relations de coopération et de partenariat entre nos deux pays qui s’articulent autour du développement et des investissements pic.twitter.com/kR5vQWLVoG
— Mahmoud Ali youssouf (@ymahmoudali) November 19, 2024
Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf was nominated by his country’s representative for the African Union position. He’s a diplomat who has served in various capacities. In 2001, Youssouf was appointed the Minister-Delegate for International Cooperation. Four years later, he was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. In terms of his education, Youssouf studied foreign languages applied at the Lumière University Lyon 2.
Later, he studied business management at the University of Liverpool and obtained a management magisterium at Université Laval. Some of his ambitions for the continent include reforms in different areas, including the commission, funding, personnel, and divisions of tasks between regional economic communities and the regional commissions.
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Richard Randriamandrato – Madagascar
Madagascar supports Richard Randriamandrato’s AU candidature bid. He has served in numerous positions, including minister of economy and finance and minister of foreign affairs, and worked at the International Labor Organisation (IOL) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). Among his ambitions is to advance reforms to help the AU move closer towards fulfilling its long-term goals in Agenda 2063.
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Raila Odinga – Kenya
Raila Odinga is Kenya’s representative in the AU’s 2025 election. His bid was confirmed in February 2024. He had a long political history, including vying for president five times without success. Additionally, he has served as Kenya’s Prime Minister, Minister of Roads, Public Works and Housing, Minister of Energy and member of parliament for Langata constituency.
He vows to untie all African countries, stating that the division within has held back the continent. Furthermore, he will orchestrate Africa’s self-reliance driven by the huge youth population to drive the continent forward.
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Withdrawal of Bids
Some candidates who were vying for the AU chairmanship withdrew their bids. These are Somali candidate Fawzia Yusuf Adam and Mauritius’ Anil Gayan.
In Conclusion
When are the African Union elections? We hope this article sheds light on the elections and acquaints you with the candidates and their aspirations for Africa. How closely do you follow the African Union, and what happens?
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