The African Union Commission (AUC) stands as the dynamic engine propelling the African Union (AU) towards its vision of an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful continent. As the AU’s secretariat, the AUC is pivotal in executing the Union’s day-to-day activities, coordinating initiatives, and implementing decisions made by the AU’s principal organs. 

Structure of the African Union Commission

Headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the AUC’s leadership comprises a Chairperson, a Deputy Chairperson, and six Commissioners, each overseeing specific portfolios:

  • Chairperson: Serves as the Chief Executive Officer, legal representative, and Chief Accounting Officer of the AU.
  • Deputy Chairperson: Assists the Chairperson and manages administration and finance.
  • Commissioners: Each leads a department focusing on critical areas such as:
    • Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment
    • Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry, and Mining
    • Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation
    • Infrastructure and Energy
    • Political Affairs, Peace, and Security
    • Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development

This structured approach ensures that the AUC addresses the continent’s diverse needs effectively. 

The Upcoming 2025 AUC Chairperson Elections

As the AUC Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, approaches the end of his second term in February 2025, the race to appoint his successor is intensifying. The election, scheduled for February 2025 during the AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, will see African heads of state voting by secret ballot to determine the next leader.

Key Candidates and Their Visions

Several prominent African leaders have declared their candidacies, each bringing a unique vision for the continent’s future:

  • Raila Odinga (Kenya): A veteran politician and former Prime Minister, Odinga has been actively campaigning across the continent. He emphasizes dismantling economic barriers, empowering youth and women, and uniting Africa towards shared prosperity. Odinga advocates for eliminating trade impediments and visa requirements that hinder growth, envisioning an Africa where intra-continental trade flourishes.
  • Mahamoud Ali Youssouf (Djibouti): Serving as Djibouti’s Foreign Minister since 2005, Youssouf brings extensive diplomatic experience. He underscores the need for Africa to secure permanent seats on the UN Security Council, arguing that the continent’s representation should reflect its significance in global affairs. Youssouf also highlights the importance of bolstering regional security through enhanced resources for a standby force, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign partnerships. 
  • Richard Randriamandrato (Madagascar): A former Foreign Minister, Randriamandrato focuses on economic integration and reducing dependence on foreign military bases. He proposes strengthening regional economic blocs and implementing systems to boost intra-Africa trade, such as a payment compensation mechanism to facilitate transactions across different currencies. 

Election Dynamics and Political Considerations

The election process requires a candidate to secure a two-thirds majority from the 55 AU member states, with voting conducted by secret ballot. Various factors are expected to influence the election dynamics:

  • Regional Representation: The AU follows a principle of regional rotation for its leadership positions. Given that past chairpersons have hailed from Western, Central, and Southern Africa, there is an assertion that it is now the turn of the Eastern Africa region to produce the next chairperson. 
  • Language and Cultural Affiliations: The Francophone and Anglophone divide may play a role, with candidates seeking support from countries sharing linguistic and cultural ties.
  • Geopolitical Influences: External actors, such as China, have been deepening their engagement with Africa. China’s consistent diplomatic outreach, exemplified by its Foreign Minister’s annual New Year tour of African nations, underscores its interest in the continent’s leadership dynamics. 

As the election approaches, candidates are intensifying their campaigns, seeking endorsements from various African nations. The outcome will significantly influence the AU’s trajectory, impacting policies on economic integration, regional security, and Africa’s role in global affairs.

The 2025 AUC Chairperson election is not merely a leadership contest; it is a pivotal moment for Africa to assert its unity and strategic direction in an increasingly complex global landscape.