Djibouti has sought support from Zimbabwe for its candidate, Foreign Affairs Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssef, in the upcoming election for Chairperson of the African Union Commission. The request was delivered by Minister Amina Abidi Aden, who met with President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who assured support for Minister Youssef’s candidacy. This election will involve four candidates and highlights the AU’s recent reforms aimed at equitable representation and transparency.
In a significant diplomatic engagement, President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe received a special envoy from Djibouti, President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, who sought support for his nation’s candidate for the position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission. The envoy, Djibouti’s Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, Amina Abidi Aden, conveyed the request to garner Zimbabwe’s backing for Foreign Affairs Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssef, one of four contenders for the position currently held by Moussa Faki since 2017. Minister Aden stated that the objective of the visit was to ensure Zimbabwe’s support in the upcoming elections scheduled in Addis Ababa next year. President Mnangagwa assured Minister Aden of Zimbabwe’s support for Minister Youssef, highlighting his extensive experience of two decades in foreign affairs. This backing is hoped to enhance Minister Youssef’s candidacy as Djibouti positions itself strategically amidst a competitive race that includes candidates from Kenya, Somalia, and Seychelles. The African Union had earlier established a framework, granting the Eastern Africa region the privilege to nominate the next Chairperson as part of broader institutional reforms aimed at enhancing transparency and meritocracy in the leadership selection process as well as promoting gender parity and equitable regional representation.
The African Union (AU) plays a crucial role in the political landscape of Africa, particularly in matters related to governance, policy-making, and regional stability. With the upcoming elections for the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, member states have been encouraged to participate actively in the selection process to ensure diverse representation. The recent agreement allowing the Eastern Africa region to nominate candidates for the AU Commission chair reflects ongoing reforms initiated to improve the leadership selection system within the AU. These reforms underscore the AU’s commitment to transparency, equity, and the promotion of skilled leadership across the continent.
In conclusion, Djibouti’s diplomatic outreach to Zimbabwe highlights the strategic efforts by smaller nations to secure influential roles within the African Union. President Mnangagwa’s commitment to supporting Minister Youssef further indicates Zimbabwe’s proactive engagement in continental affairs. The upcoming election not only serves as a pivotal moment for the candidates but also reflects the evolving dynamics of leadership within the AU aimed at fostering inclusivity and meritocracy.
Original Source: www.chronicle.co.zw
