The African Union is on the brink of significant change as it prepares to elect a new commission chair on February 15-16. The candidates vying to replace the outgoing head Moussa Faki Mahamat include former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Madagascar’s ex-Finance Minister Richard Randriamandrato, and former Djiboutian Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf. While each candidate has their agenda, whoever is elected has to usher the bloc into a new age – one where the organization plays a bigger role in the continent’s affairs. To do this, the AU must implement deep reforms to address longstanding issues—such as its limited legislative authority—to effectively tackle Africa’s security, economic, and governance challenges. This need for change is amplified by the recent withdrawal of US support under Trump’s administration and subsequent USAID funding cuts. With its recent entry into the G20, the bloc has its best-ever opportunity to make its voice heard.
Source: SEMAFOR
