The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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The upcoming election for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson will take place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on February 15 and 16.
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Prior to that, AU Commissioners will be elected on February 12 and 13.
According to the Commission’s statutes, the Assembly is responsible for electing the chairperson and deputy chairperson, while the Executive Council selects the commissioners, who are then appointed by the Assembly. The term for commission members lasts four years and can be renewed once.
A Panel of Eminent Africans, made up of five individuals (one from each region), will oversee the pre-selection process for senior leadership positions within the Commission.
The African Union (AU) explained that the Assembly of Heads of State and Government will elect and appoint the chairperson and deputy chairperson during their session on February 15-16, 2025. The elections for these positions, along with commissioners, will continue until a candidate receives a two-thirds majority.
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However, at least six countries will not participate in this election. These countries—Niger, Mali, Guinea, Gabon, Burkina Faso, and Sudan—have been suspended for various reasons, such as coups and civil conflicts. The suspensions are typically announced by the AU’s Peace and Security Council (PSC).
Mali, Guinea, and Sudan were suspended in 2021, followed by Burkina Faso in 2022 after a military takeover. Gabon was suspended in August 2023, with Sudan joining in January 2025.
These suspensions prevent the countries from participating in any AU-related activities until they are reinstated. The AU insists on civilian administrations taking charge in these countries and, in some cases, has allowed transition periods for returning to civilian rule.
Kenya has put forward a candidate for the AUC Chairperson position. Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga will compete with Mahmoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti and Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato. The three candidates participated in a televised debate on December 13, 2024, where they presented their vision for leading Africa’s transformation through the AU Mandate and Agenda 2063.
This election is to replace Moussa Faki from Chad, whose term ends next year. The winner will be chosen at the 38th AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
As of January 15, Raila Odinga is considered the frontrunner to succeed Moussa Faki, having received endorsements from at least 21 countries. The winner must secure the support of two-thirds of the 55 eligible AU member states, which equates to 33 votes.
