Race for AU Commission's top positions heats up as deadline hits

Today marks the deadline for submitting candidates vying for the African Union (AU) Commission's eight positions.

On Monday, the AU announced on its X platform that the deadline for regional nominations of candidates for the eight senior positions is August 6, 2024.

According to the statement, interested candidates were required to submit their curriculum vitae and vision statements to their member states, outlining how they intend to advance the African Union's transformative agenda and address the existing and emerging challenges facing the continent.

"Only names of candidates submitted by the region will be considered in the pre-selection process undertaken by the Panel of Eminent Africans. Further, only Member States that are not under AU sanctions are allowed to submit candidates," stated the Union.

The statement further explained the submission process, noting that all eight senior leadership positions of the AU Commission are open for candidates and guided by the regional allocation of the portfolios.

"The positions include that of the Chairperson and six Commissioners' posts," said the AU.

Kenya is among four African states interested in the position of Chairperson.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is expected to vie against Seychelles' former Vice President Vincent Meriton, Somalia's former Foreign Affairs Minister Fawzia Yusuf Aden, and Djibouti's Foreign Affairs Minister Mohamoud Ali Yussuf in the contest that seeks to give the African continent a visionary leader to address the existing challenges.

On July 29, Kenya submitted Raila Odinga's application for the Chairperson slot at the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The application was presented by Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Singo'ei to the Office of the Legal Counsel of the African Union through the Dean of the Eastern Region, Dharmraj Busgeeth.

Had productive discussions with Germany's Ambassador @Diplo_Jazz and UK High Comm @FCDONeilWigan on recent developments and my AU Commission candidacy. We all agree: a strong and stable Africa benefits us all. Grateful for Germany and the UK's continued commitment to engagement. pic.twitter.com/5xKOOzLoyo

— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) August 6, 2024

And on Tuesday, he intensified his campaign for the AU Chairperson seat, holding discussions with Germany’s Ambassador Sebastian Groth and UK High Commission Neil Wigan.

He said the discussions were based on recent developments and his AU Commission candidacy. “We all agree a strong and stable Africa benefits us all. Grateful for Germany and the UK’s continued partnership and commitment to engagement”, he said on X.

Ahead of the elections, conducted in a secret ballot, candidates vying for the position of the Chairperson of the Commission will participate in a live televised debate dubbed MjadalaAfrika.