Somalia Fronts Fawzia Adam For The AUC Chair Post
Written by Phenny Waga on March 1, 2024
Fawzia Yusuf Adam, former Foreign Minister of Somalia, has declared her candidacy for the position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), following weeks of speculation after Somalia’s Information Ministry hinted at her candidature.
The AUC election, scheduled for February 2025, will determine the successor to Mousa Faki as the chairperson of the commission.
Expressing gratitude for the endorsement of her candidacy by President Hassan Mohamud and the Federal Government of Somalia, Adam affirmed her commitment to representing Somalia’s interests on the African continent’s highest decision-making body.
“I am happy that I am Somalia’s candidate for the African Union presidency. I would like to thank President Hassan Mohamud and the Federal Government of Somalia for their full support and encouragement,” she said on February 27.
Adam previously served as Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister from November 2012 to January 2014, making her the first woman from Somalia to be nominated for this prestigious position.
Somalia, a founding member of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, has historically not held prominent positions within the AU, making Adam’s candidacy a significant milestone for the country.
Joining the race alongside Adam is Kenya’s Raila Odinga, who has been actively lobbying for the AUC Chairmanship.
In the upcoming election, a candidate must secure two-thirds of the votes to clinch the position of Chairperson.
The AUC, serving as the Secretariat of the Union, is tasked with executing executive functions and comprises ten officials, including a Chairperson, a Deputy Chairperson, and eight Commissioners, alongside staff members..
The Commission represents and safeguards the interests of the Union under the guidance of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government and the Executive Committee.
The AU Commission is structured into various portfolios, including Peace and Security, Political Affairs, Trade and Industry, Infrastructure and Energy, Social Affairs, Rural Economy and Agriculture, Human Resources, Science and Technology, and Economic Affairs.
Key responsibilities of the commission include representing the Union, defending its interests, initiating proposals, implementing decisions, acting as a custodian of legal instruments, and organizing and managing meetings of the organs, among others.
