Tanzania's January Makamba poses threat to Raila's AUC chair bid

A new name is gaining traction among young diplomats and professionals across Africa as a potential successor to African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson Moussa Faki, throwing previous aspirants back to the drawing board.

January Makamba, Tanzania's Foreign Minister, is being touted among diplomatic circles as the favourite to win the race if fronted by his government.

Makamba's name is surfacing at a time when Kenya's former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is bogged down by local politics and a youthful revolt in his country, which has seen his bid for the AUC chairperson position stalled.

Other aspirants are Djibouti's Foreign Minister, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and Somalia’s former Foreign Affairs Minister, Fawzia Adam.

Supporters highlight Makamba's youthful dynamism, charisma, and problem-solving orientation as qualities that set him apart from other candidates.

The Archbishop Tutu Leadership Fellows and African Young Global Leaders of the World Economic Forum have begun lobbying Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu to endorse and nominate Makamba for the AU Commission Chair role. 

They also appealed to African leaders, emphasising the following points to be considered for an AUC chair successor:

(a) A belief in the unity of Africans as a source of strength. 

(b) The importance of the African Union as an expression of that unity, a vehicle to elevate it, and a source of pride for Africans. 

(c) The indispensability of the right continental leadership in the pursuit of African unity and prosperity.

They argue that Makamba, a 50-year-old former aide to former president Jakaya Kikwete, will bring much-needed creativity, energy, and reforms to the position. 

"As you're aware, the African Union will soon choose the senior leadership of the AU Commission. Looking at where the African Union is, global dynamics, and where it needs to go, the new leadership will be very consequential," read a lobby letter from Tutu fellows, seen by The Eastleigh Voice

It added, "We therefore wish to respectfully convince you, our leaders, to consider, as an additional choice, Mr. January Yusuf Makamba, Foreign Minister of Tanzania, for the position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission. We do so with full knowledge and appreciation of his abilities, passion and commitment to African unity and commitment."

From left Kenya’s Raila Odinga, Former Somalia Minister of Foreign Affairs, Fawzia Yusuf Haji Adam and Djibouti’s Foreign Minister, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf are seeking to replace Moussa Faki as AUC chair for the period 2025–2028. (Photo: Handout)

The lobby further expressed concern over the erosion of capacity, credibility, and efficacy within the African Union's institutions. 

They argued that the Commission needs revitalisation through dynamic and innovative leadership that aligns with the demographic profile of the majority of Africans. 

The ongoing AU institutional reforms being led by President William Ruto will also require a leader with a reform-minded approach. 

The current chairperson, Moussa Faki of Chad, has been accused of taking a hands-off approach at the Pan-African body, particularly during a time when the continent has faced significant conflicts and crises that required the African Union's attention but have largely been ignored.

"We have observed with concern the erosion of capacity, credibility, and efficacy of institutions under the African Union. The Commission needs a reignition: a dynamic and innovative leadership, that's not too out of step with the demographic profile of majority Africans," reads the letter drafted by the lobbyists, as seen by The Eastleigh Voice.

"The ongoing AU institutional reform process will also require a reform-minded commission leader."

A Tanzanian source confirmed to The Eastleigh Voice that Dodoma is weighing options on whether to front Makamba's candidature.

However, it remains to be seen whether the lobbying efforts can persuade Makamba and President Samia Suluhu to present his candidacy, which must be done by this coming August.