A Look Into Profiles of Candidates Challenging Raila for AU’s Top Job
As Kenya persistently pursues the Africa Union Commission Chairperson role, the intensity of competition for the position has markedly increased in recent days.
This article provides a thorough evaluation of each candidate contending for the influential position, examining their profiles and individual backgrounds extensively.
The competition for the position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) for the period from 2025 to 2029 has attracted significant focus, capturing the interest of various stakeholders throughout the Eastern African region of the continent.
The increase in attention comes after the African Union Executive Council made a unanimous choice on March 15, stating that it is now the Eastern Africa region’s opportunity to propose candidates for the prestigious role of Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC).
The crucial choice occurred at the 22nd Special Session of the Executive Council of the African Union, held in Addis Ababa.
Currently, three strong contenders have emerged as leading figures in the competition for Africa’s top leadership position: Raila Odinga from Kenya, Fawzia Yusuf Adam from Somalia, and the newest participant, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf from Djibouti.
Raila Odinga, Kenya
Raila Odinga, Kenya’s representative, emerges as a prominent frontrunner according to numerous analysts. With a background in civil engineering, Odinga’s extensive experience in African political affairs is widely acknowledged, particularly with the backing of East African leaders who have endorsed him as their unified candidate.
The East African Community (EAC), based in Arusha, Tanzania, consists of eight member nations: Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Somalia’s choice to put forth a candidate introduces an interesting element to the competition.
Raila Amolo Odinga, born in 1945 to Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s inaugural Deputy President, possesses a noteworthy political legacy within Kenya.
During his time as Prime Minister spanning from 2008 to 2013, he was extensively involved in both national and regional affairs. Although he was unsuccessful in his attempts to become president, Odinga has consistently upheld democratic values and advocated for human rights without faltering.
Odinga’s political trajectory has been marked by perseverance and resolve, starting from his tenure as the Member of Parliament for Langata Constituency and later transitioning into the position of Leader of the Opposition in 2013.
He has been involved in activism since the 1970s and ’80s, a period marked by his experience of being imprisoned without trial on charges of subversion.
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His significant impact on Kenya’s political scene is evident, particularly through his participation in shaping the 2010 Constitution, celebrated as a significant milestone for the country. Additionally, his endeavors in promoting peace and employing adept negotiation tactics have been instrumental in resolving disputes and cultivating a sense of stability.
In 2018, Odinga’s designation as the High Representative for Infrastructure Development at the African Union Commission underscored his significant regional sway and diplomatic reputation.
Nonetheless, his removal from this position in February 2023 amidst accusations of instigating violence highlights the intricacies of his political journey.
Fawzia Yusuf Haji Adam, Somalia
Fawzia Adam, a well-known figure in Somali politics, served in important roles within the government, such as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister of Somalia, from November 4, 2012, to January 17, 2014.
Adam’s political trajectory has been marked by controversy. At one point, she advocated for the secession of Somaliland from Somalia and made an unsuccessful bid for the presidency of Somaliland.
Yet, her political party, the Peace, Democracy, and Prosperity Party (NBD), which was established in Somaliland, encountered prohibition ahead of the 2010 elections because Somalia asserted sovereignty over Somaliland’s territory.
Nevertheless, Adam received considerable recognition for her efforts to promote education in her hometown of Hargeisa, Somaliland.
In a significant change in 2012, Adam moved to Mogadishu, where she achieved a historic milestone by becoming the inaugural female Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Somalia.
Being nominated by Somalia for the role of chairperson of the African Union Commission in January 2024 demonstrates her increasing clout and adeptness in diplomacy.
Presently, Adam is at the helm of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Party in Somalia while also holding a position as a federal MP. Furthermore, she is engaged in studies focusing on International Public Policy at the Johns Hopkins University School of International Studies.
If Adam succeeds, she could potentially be the second woman to lead the AUC, following the example set by South Africa’s Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.
Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Djibouti
Youssouf, born September 2, 1965, is a prominent diplomat from Djibouti, boasting an extensive career in public administration. He has notably served as Djibouti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs since 2005.
Youssouf embarked on his diplomatic career at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Djibouti, where he assumed a crucial position overseeing Arab affairs throughout the 1990s. Due to his exceptional skills and commitment, he was subsequently selected as the Ambassador to Egypt, a role he held from 1997 to 2001.
Acknowledging his diplomatic skills, Youssouf was given increased duties, initially serving as Minister-Delegate for International Cooperation on July 4, 2001, before later assuming the role of Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on May 22, 2005.
His diplomatic activities reached beyond Africa, encompassing a notable trip to Japan in 2006.
Youssouf’s diplomatic prowess was evident when he chaired the 129th Ordinary Session of the Arab League’s Council of Foreign Ministers in 2008, enhancing his standing as a revered figure in regional diplomacy.
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The tenure of the current Chairperson of the AU Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, will end in early 2025, having served the maximum allowable two four-year terms, paving the way for a new leader to take the helm.
The electoral procedure necessitates candidates to attain a minimum of two-thirds of the votes from member states in the general assembly elections, underscoring the importance of gaining widespread backing throughout the continent.
While the race to replace Faki continues to heat up, Kenya’s influence on the continent is coming in handy for Raila. In April, President Ruto launched a shadow diplomacy campaign in West Africa to drum up support for Odinga.
Raila has received endorsement by at least countries including; Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan, the DRC, South Africa, Ghana, Angola, and Guinea Bissau.
He will require to woe more states to win the candidacy that would see him out of the 2027 general elections.
A Look Into Profiles of Candidates Challenging Raila for AU’s Top Job