Djibouti Seeks Zimbabwe’s Support for African Union Commission Chairmanship
Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Mahmoud Ali Youssef, is seeking Zimbabwe’s support for his candidacy for the African Union Commission Chairperson position. President Mnangagwa has expressed his support, emphasizing Youssef’s extensive experience. The elections will take place next year in Addis Ababa, following recent AU reforms aimed at ensuring equitable regional representation in leadership roles.
On November 23, 2022, President Emmerson Mnangagwa welcomed a special envoy from Djibouti, following a request from President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh for support regarding the candidacy of Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Mahmoud Ali Youssef, for the position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission. During a meeting at State House in Harare, Amina Abidi Aden, Djibouti’s Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, conveyed her country’s request for assistance in the upcoming elections set for next year in Addis Ababa. Minister Aden stated, “I came here to bring the message of the President of the Republic of Djibouti Ismaïl Omar Guelleh to request the support of the President of Zimbabwe for our candidate for African Union Commission chair during the election which will be held in Addis Ababa next year.” President Mnangagwa reportedly committed to supporting Minister Youssef due to his extensive experience acquired over two decades as Foreign Affairs Minister. Aden expressed confidence in Minister Youssef’s capabilities, emphasizing his preparedness to guide the African Union Commission through the implementation of the Agenda 2063 program. She articulated, “Djibouti’s candidate has the requisite experience to lead the African Union Commission and to implement Agenda 2063 programme of the African Commission and we hope that we will get the support of Zimbabwe.” Minister Youssef competes against several notable candidates, including Kenya’s Raila Odinga, Somalia’s Fawzia Yusuf Adam, and Seychelles’ former Vice President Vincent Meriton. Notably, the African Union Assembly granted the Eastern African region the privilege to nominate the next chairperson, aligning with recent institutional reforms aimed at enhancing leadership transparency and meritocratic practices throughout the continent. These reforms prioritize equitable regional representation and gender parity in the selection process.
The African Union (AU), established in 2001 and launched in 2002, serves as a continental body consisting of 55 African countries, aimed at promoting unity and development across the continent. The African Union Commission is crucial in executing the organization’s policies and programs, with the chairmanship playing a pivotal role in African diplomacy and international relations. Institutional reforms initiated in November 2018 sought to refine the leadership selection process to foster transparency, inclusiveness, and equitable representation, thereby granting Eastern Africa the right to nominate the next chairperson for the AU Commission, an important aspect of the AU leadership structure.
In summary, Djibouti is actively seeking support from Zimbabwe for its candidate, Foreign Affairs Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssef, in the upcoming elections for the Chairperson of the African Union Commission. President Mnangagwa has signaled his intention to support the Djibouti candidate, based on his extensive experience. As the African Union pushes for transparency and fair representation in its leadership selection process, this election will be essential for the future direction of the organization.
Original Source: www.chronicle.co.zw
