The highly anticipated Mjadala Afrika Leadership Debate took
place on December 13, 2024, at the African Union (AU) Headquarters in Addis
Ababa. This debate provided a platform for the three candidates vying for the
position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) to present their
vision for Africa's development, focusing on key issues critical to the
continent's progress.
The candidates—Raila Odinga of Kenya, Mahamoud
Ali Youssouf of Djibouti, and Richard
Randriamandrato of Madagascar—delved into discussions on regional security,
inter-African trade, AU structural reforms, and Africa's role on the global
stage. With the election set for February 2025 during the AU Summit of Heads of
State and Government, the debate offered a glimpse into the future leadership
of the AU Commission.
Key Highlights from the Debate
Africa's Representation on the
Global Stage
All three candidates were unified in
their call for Africa to secure two permanent seats with veto power on the
United Nations Security Council. They underscored the necessity for Africa to
have an amplified voice in global affairs, highlighting the continent's unique
challenges and opportunities that require representation at the highest levels
of decision-making.
Regional Security and Sovereignty
The candidates discussed strategies
to enhance Africa's self-reliance in security matters. A central proposal was
the bolstering of the African Standby Force to reduce dependence on foreign
military bases and interventions. They emphasized the need for an autonomous
security framework capable of responding to regional conflicts and crises.
Boosting Inter-African Trade
The debate also focused on unlocking
the potential of Africa’s domestic market, emphasizing the African Continental
Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The candidates proposed initiatives to streamline
trade across member states, including the possibility of introducing a single
currency and developing payment compensation systems. These measures aim to
eliminate trade barriers and stimulate economic growth within the continent.
Structural Reforms in the AU
All three candidates committed to
implementing structural and leadership reforms within the AU. They acknowledged
the current funding challenges and pledged to strengthen cooperation among
member states. The reforms would focus on improving efficiency, transparency,
and accountability to ensure the AU is better equipped to address the
continent's pressing challenges.
Candidate Visions
- Raila Odinga (Kenya):
Odinga emphasized the importance of empowering Africa’s youth and women,
proposing policies that harness their potential as drivers of innovation
and economic growth. He also stressed the need for improved infrastructure
to facilitate connectivity across the continent.
- Mahamoud Ali Youssouf (Djibouti): Youssouf focused on Africa’s strategic geopolitical
position and advocated for stronger partnerships with the global
community. He highlighted the role of technology and innovation in
transforming Africa into a competitive player in the global economy.
- Richard Randriamandrato (Madagascar): Randriamandrato
outlined his vision for environmental sustainability, proposing policies
to address climate change and biodiversity loss. He also prioritized
education and healthcare as fundamental pillars for long-term development.
Recall of Senator Danson Mungatana's
Statement
It is important to recall that
during the last session of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), Kenya’s delegation
leader, Senator Danson Mungatana,
stressed the significance of involving the PAP in the election of the next AUC
Chairperson. With the election scheduled for February 2025, Mungatana highlighted the importance of
candidates presenting their vision directly to the African people through their
elected representatives in the PAP.
Citing Article 17 of the AU’s
Constitutive Act, which established the PAP as a forum for people’s
participation in continental affairs, Mungatana
argued that aspiring AUC Chairpersons should use the PAP platform to
communicate their vision for Africa’s future. He strongly emphasized that “this
engagement must be televised,” advocating for transparency and accountability
in the African Union leadership elections.
Looking Ahead
The Mjadala Afrika Leadership Debate
set the stage for a robust and competitive election process. The candidates'
diverse visions reflect the multifaceted challenges and opportunities facing
Africa today. With the election just weeks away, member states and stakeholders
will closely evaluate the candidates' proposals as they prepare to vote for the
next AUC Chairperson.
The incoming Chairperson will play a
pivotal role in steering the African Union towards achieving its Agenda 2063
goals—a strategic framework aimed at transforming Africa into a global
powerhouse of the future. The election will take place during the AU Summit in
February 2025, where the continent's leaders will choose a leader to guide
Africa’s collective destiny.
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