African Union Adds New Gender Twist to Raila Commission Bid
The conclusion of the Executive Council Ministerial meeting has tightened the race in which former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has launched a candidacy to replace Moussa Faki as the African Union Commission Chairperson.
At the end of the meeting, the council granted the Eastern arm of the union the authority to nominate the chairman.
The Northern area will next be entrusted with generating a deputy chairperson, while the Western, Central, and Southern regions will submit candidates for the remaining six commissioner positions.
However, the council believes that the two top posts should be held by people of different genders, which means that if the elected chairman is a man, his deputy must be a woman, and vice versa.
“The Eastern region shall submit candidates for the position of the chairperson. The Northern region shall submit candidates for the position of the deputy chairperson,” the council directed.
“Both regions can submit male and female candidates. The gender of the elected Chairperson will determine the gender of the Deputy Chairperson to be elected.”
Prior to the February 2025 elections, the council had a high-level meeting in mid-March to review the report on senior leadership election preparations.
The ministers were anticipated to address regional rotation and gender parity to ensure a balanced allocation of leadership.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga indicated interest in becoming chairman and launched a campaign for votes. Elections are often held using secret ballots.
Raila’s candidacy has gained support from foreign heavyweights such as former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and his political rival, President William Ruto.
To be considered for the position, Prime Minister candidates must have a Master’s degree, appropriate experience, proficiency in at least one AU language, and evidence of transformative leadership.
The Master’s Degree must be in Law, International Relations, Economics, Diplomacy, Management, Business Administration, Political Science, Social Sciences, or a closely related discipline from a recognized university.
In mid-February, Ruto organized a group to help Raila win the seat, and he even paid a visit to Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni to rally support.
The committee is funded by the exchequer.
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African Union Adds New Gender Twist to Raila Commission Bid
