Ambassador Selma Malka Haddadi of Algeria Elected as Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission

In a remarkable and keenly contested election at the ongoing African Union (AU) Summit, Ambassador Selma Malka Haddadi of Algeria has been elected as the new Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC). A career diplomat currently serving as Algeria’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union, Ambassador Haddadi emerged victorious after seven rounds of voting, securing the required two-thirds majority.

She succeeds Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa.

A Multi-Round Election

The race for Deputy Chairperson was fiercely competitive, involving three distinguished candidates:

1. Amb. Selma Malka Haddadi (Algeria)
2. Dr. Hanan Morsy (Egypt)
3. Latifa Akharbach (Morocco)

Despite Ambassador Haddadi and Latifa Akharbach leading in the initial rounds, neither candidate achieved the two-thirds majority until the seventh and final round of voting.

Vote Tally by Round:

• First Round
1. Amb. Haddadi (Algeria): 21
2. Dr. Morsy (Egypt): 6
3. Akharbach (Morocco): 21
• Second Round
1. Amb. Haddadi (Algeria): 23
2. Dr. Morsy (Egypt): 7
3. Akharbach (Morocco): 18
• Third Round
1. Amb. Haddadi (Algeria): 24
2. Dr. Morsy (Egypt): 2
3. Akharbach (Morocco): 22
• Fourth Round
1. Amb. Haddadi (Algeria): 26
2. Akharbach (Morocco): 22
• Fifth Round
1. Amb. Haddadi (Algeria): 26
2. Akharbach (Morocco): 22
• Sixth Round
1. Amb. Haddadi (Algeria): 26
2. Akharbach (Morocco): 22
• Seventh Round (Haddadi unopposed)
1. Amb. Haddadi (Algeria): 33 votes

Ambassador Haddadi ultimately secured 33 votes, surpassing the required threshold and cementing her position as the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission.

Profile of Ambassador Selma Malka Haddadi

A seasoned diplomat, Ambassador Haddadi has extensive experience in international relations, regional cooperation, and African affairs. Her background includes:

• Current Role: Algeria’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the AU.
• Areas of Expertise: Conflict resolution, development policy, and promoting collaborative initiatives among African nations and international partners.
• Diplomatic Milestones: Known for her commitment to strengthening multilateral engagements and fostering economic and social development across the African continent.

Vision and Responsibilities

As Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Ambassador Haddadi will play a critical supporting role in:

• Facilitating Policy Execution: Working alongside the Chairperson to implement AU policies, programs, and decisions.
• Administrative Coordination: Overseeing the day-to-day administration of the Commission, ensuring efficiency and accountability.
• Strengthening Regional Cooperation: Collaborating with member states on vital agendas such as peace and security, economic integration, and social development.
• Championing Gender and Youth Empowerment: Upholding inclusive strategies to ensure equitable opportunities for women and young people in AU initiatives.

Ambassador Haddadi’s election marks a significant moment, reflecting Algeria’s longstanding commitment to the African Union’s values and objectives. As the new Deputy Chairperson, she will work closely with AUC Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and AU member states to build a more united, prosperous, and peaceful continent.

About the African Union (AU)

The African Union, established in 2002, is composed of 55 member states dedicated to promoting unity, peace, and development across the African continent. The AU Commission, led by a Chairperson and a Deputy Chairperson, serves as the Union’s administrative and executive arm.