With just hours to the vote for the next Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), concerns are being raised about potential last-minute schemes that could interfere with Azimio leader Raila Odinga’s bid for the continental job.
Africa’s Heads of State are scheduled to pick Moussa Faki Mahamat’s successor during the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Heads of State and Government, which will be held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Saturday, February 15 and 16.
However, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign and Diaspora Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi has emphasized the urgency of a decisive outcome, warning against any delays.
According to him, delays could cause a leadership vacuum at a time when Africa needs strong and visionary leadership.
“The African continent in the AU in this 46th Summit should all use efforts to ensure that they elect a new AUC chairperson on Saturday. They should avoid any possible procrastination because the continent needs immediate intervention on peace and conflict resolution,” Mudavadi stated.
Also Read: Blow for Raila as 16 Countries Declare Support for Another AUC Candidate
Delays on AU Elections that Could Hurt Raila
There is speculation that some leaders within the AU could be working behind the scenes to delay the election process.
However, Mudavadi has warned that an inconclusive election would paint Africa as “weak, confused, and indecisive, at a time when several nations on the continent are dealing with security crises and political instability.
“We should not have a delay or a hang elections, at this critical juncture when some African countries are in turmoil. We will send a picture of being a weak, confused and indecisive continent, Africa needs a decisive voice now,” he added.
Also Read: Why Raila Odinga Is the Best Bet for the Continental AUC Job
SADC Pledge Support for Another Candidate
Earlier, 16 Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states formally endorsed Madagascar’s candidate, Richard J. Randriamandrato.
In a letter to Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, SADC Executive Secretary Elias M. Magosi confirmed the bloc’s collective support for Randriamandrato, solidifying his position as the region’s preferred candidate.
The endorsement comes in the wake of Mauritius’ withdrawal from the race, leaving Madagascar as the sole contender from the SADC region.
According to the letter, the decision aligns with a resolution made during the August 2024 SADC Council meeting in Harare, Zimbabwe, where member states agreed to rally behind a single candidate.
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