Odinga hopeful as ministers discuss parameters for AU Commission polls

The African Union (AU) is gearing up for its next round of elections for senior leadership positions scheduled for February 2025.

As part of the process, the Executive Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs has convened an extraordinary session at the AU Headquarters to deliberate on the election preparations.

The senior elective posts in focus include the African Union Commission Chairperson, the Deputy Chairperson, and the six Commissioners, each serving a term of four years, with the possibility of re-election for another four-year term. Since the transition from the Organization of African Unity (OAU) to the AU in 2002, there have been five elections for members of the AU Commission. The current fifth Commission, elected in 2021, is expected to complete its term in 2025.

In line with the AU’s commitment to regional representation and gender equality, discussions at the extraordinary session will center on the modalities of regional rotation and gender parity in leadership roles. The principle of inter-regional rotation ensures that all five regions of the AU have a fair opportunity to hold leadership positions. Similarly, gender parity mandates that if the Chairperson is male, the Deputy Chairperson should be female, and vice versa. Additionally, of the six commissioner positions, equal representation between male and female candidates is enforced.

Former Kenyan Premier Raila Odinga is among those vying for the position of AU Commission chairperson.

These deliberations occur within the broader context of the AU Institutional Reforms of 2018, which streamlined the portfolios of Commissioners from eight to six. Candidates vying for these positions must demonstrate competence, proven experience in relevant fields, strong leadership qualities, and a commendable track record in government, parliament, international organizations, or other relevant sectors.

The pre-selection process is overseen by a High-Level Panel of Eminent Africans, composed of one eminent personality per region, with assistance from an independent African consultancy firm. Dr. Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Mauritanians Abroad, and Chair of the Executive Council, emphasized the importance of developing AU institutions to fulfill their responsibilities, strengthen Africa’s integration and unity, and realize the aspirations outlined in Agenda 2063.

The conclusions drawn from the Ministerial meeting will pave the way for intra-regional consultations on procedures for nominating candidates eligible for the various portfolios. As Africa prepares to usher in a new leadership team, the emphasis remains on fostering cohesion, equity, rationality, and a spirit of consensus in the selection process, reflecting the collective vision and commitment to the continent’s progress and development.