African Union Headquarters, Addis Ababa. Photo | Courtesy.
The fifth African Union Commission chair candidacy endorsement is still in process ahead of the elections set for February 2025 at the AU 38th summit in Addis Ababa Ethiopia to succeed Moussa Faki whose second and last term is coming to an end.
The final candidates include Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssou, former Mauritius Foreign Minister Anil Kumarsingh Gayan, Raila Amollo Odinga former Kenya, and former Madagascar Foreign Minister Richard James Randriamandrato.
Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssou was among the prominent contenders in this course. Part of his visions for the continent was his emphasies on being dynamic, skilled, and visionary in shaping a bright and prosperous future for Africa. He said such skills will help in driving progress and effectively addressing challenges facing the continent such as climate change, poverty and war saying his experience gives him something to benefit Africa if he gets the seat.
Kenya’s Raila Amollo Odinga, with his Africa Union Agenda of 2063 proposes eight key areas of focus, including unity of Africa, financial independence, gender equality majorly on security of women, agricultural transformation, common market for Africans and vision of boosting inter-African trade.
He promises to use his office to provide solutions for problems that have been bedeviling Africa for decades with slogans like ‘Africa Rising’ which he stated during his launch of his Bid in statehouse Nairobi, promising a brighter future of Africa.
Madagascar’s Richard James Randriamandrato vision aligns with broader goals of enhancing Africa’s innovation, unity, stability, and growth. He emphasizes on practical strategies in curbing the continents challenges to ensure every nation and community has an opportunity to thrive. In one of his statement, with the slogan “together to a united Africa,” which explains his aim of a united continent by sharing goals and addressing common challenges.
Mauritius Anil Kumarsingh Gayan, his vision focuses on creating a unified, progressive, and inclusive Africa through strategic and sustainable initiatives. In his slogan “Empowering Africa’s Future Together,” he mphasizes on the need of unity and collaboration for creating development to the continent for a brighter future. He also hints on fostering regional integration and utilize African resources effectively.
It’s now a wait and see who will blink first as African Union Chairmanship race is on, with constestors ready to traverse the continent looking for support.
