Mahmoud Youssif and Malika Salma Haddadi were elected Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, respectively. Their election came after intense political maneuvering, with Youssif set to take office on March 15. Kenya’s Raila Odinga conceded defeat while several nations affirmed support for the new leadership amidst ongoing African crises.
The elections for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson resulted in significant political maneuvering and last-minute alliances during the voting rounds on Saturday. Mahmoud Youssif was elected as Chairperson, with Malika Salma Haddadi serving as Deputy Chairperson, and both were sworn in before the General Assembly of African Heads of State and Government.
Chairperson Youssif will officially take office on March 15, succeeding Moussa Faki of Chad, who held the position for eight years. After the election, Djibouti’s President Ismaïl Guelleh reiterated his country’s commitment to fostering unity and collaboration among African nations, while Haddadi proclaimed Algeria’s increased prominence in African matters.
The tenure ahead for Chairman Youssif may prove challenging due to ongoing crises in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, amid other issues such as conflict and poverty that the continent is currently facing. Within the AU, Algeria has voiced concerns regarding Egypt’s withdrawal of support for Haddadi in favor of its own candidate, Hanan Morsi, who ultimately lost.
Kenyan candidate Raila Odinga conceded his defeat to Youssif, expressing his disappointment despite acknowledging the importance of the outcome for his nation. Kenyan President William Ruto emphasized the strategic significance of these elections in shaping Africa’s future, alluding to the commitment to progress despite the electoral loss.
Youssif regained momentum after falling behind in the initial rounds and secured 33 votes in the final decisive round to win against Odinga. Several nations, including Ethiopia, have publicly expressed confidence in the new AU Commission leadership and pledged support to facilitate the advancement of the continent’s agenda. The ongoing 38th African Union Summit highlights crucial issues affecting Africa such as justice for its people and calls for reparations.
In summary, the election of the African Union Commission leadership marks a new chapter for the organization, with Mahmoud Youssif as Chairperson and Malika Salma Haddadi as Deputy Chairperson. Their leadership comes at a critical time as Africa confronts a range of pressing issues, highlighting the need for unity and cooperation among member states. The elections also showcased the dynamic political landscape within the AU, foreshadowing challenges and opportunities in the term ahead.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
