Mjadala Afrika Leadership Debate: Candidates for African Union Commission Chairperson Articulate Bold Visions for the Continent's Future - AFRICAN PARLIAMENTARY NEWS

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Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Mjadala Afrika Leadership Debate: Candidates for African Union Commission Chairperson Articulate Bold Visions for the Continent's Future

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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