SADC Encourages Support for Madagascar Candidate for AUC Chairperson Election

The SADC has urged its members to support Richard Randriamandrato, Madagascar’s former Foreign Affairs Minister, for the AUC Chairperson elections. Due to time constraints, SADC is relying on a letter to seek support from its 16 member states. Randriamandrato faces competition from Raila Odinga of Kenya and Mahamoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti in what is expected to be a highly competitive election during the African Union summit.

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has called on its member states to support Richard Randriamandrato, the former Minister of Foreign Affairs from Madagascar, in the elections for Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) scheduled for Saturday. A letter from the SADC Secretariat confirmed Madagascar’s formal request for support from the 16 member nations for Randriamandrato’s candidacy.

Due to time constraints, the Secretariat, upon consultation with the Chairperson of the Council, deemed it unnecessary to hold an Extraordinary Council of Ministers meeting to discuss Madagascar’s appeal. The Secretariat stated, “A letter from the Secretariat seeking SADC Member States’ support for Madagascar’s candidature should suffice.” This letter serves as encouragement for SADC Member States to back Randriamandrato, aligning with an August 2024 Council decision.

Notably, Randriamandrato is the sole candidate from the SADC region under consideration for the AUC Chairperson position. The Secretariat highlighted that Madagascar has officially reached out for backing from other SADC Member States. A letter, signed by SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi, was distributed to all 16 member countries, including Tanzania, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.

SADC reinforced that its counsel was in accordance with the Heads of State resolution set forth in August 2024, which directed the Secretariat to oversee and provide strategic guidance for the AUC elections. The endorsement of Randriamandrato could potentially alter the dynamics of the electoral race, increasing competitiveness.

In the upcoming election in Addis Ababa, Randriamandrato will compete against Kenya’s Raila Odinga and Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf. As the African Union’s 38th Ordinary Summit commences, leaders have begun arriving in Ethiopia ahead of the AUC elections, noted for their competitiveness. President William Ruto from Kenya has already landed, accompanied by First Lady Rachel Ruto.

Furthermore, other notable leaders who have arrived for the AUC election include Botswana’s Duma Boko and Zimbabwe’s Emmerson Mnangagwa. The summit will prioritize the election of the next AUC Chairperson and deputy chairperson, with attendance indicating the significance of these impending decisions.

In summary, the SADC has formally endorsed Richard Randriamandrato’s candidacy for the AUC Chairperson role, urging member states for support. This endorsement, coming ahead of the significant elections, may have implications for the competitive dynamics of the race. As leaders gather for the African Union summit, the outcome of this election will be pivotal in shaping the future of the AUC.

Original Source: www.the-star.co.ke