Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Abdelh
Published on 2024-02-29 17:53:00
Somalia is making waves in the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson race by officially endorsing Fawzia Yusuf Adam, the former Foreign Affairs minister, as a candidate. This move sets up a direct challenge to Kenya’s Raila Odinga for the coveted position.
Speculation about Fawzia Yusuf Adam’s candidacy began in January, but it was only recently that her government started actively lobbying for votes. With the backing of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration, Fawzia Yusuf Adam aims to elevate African voices and promote the continent’s development and progress through her candidacy.
Expressing her passion for Africa, Fawzia Yusuf Adam outlined a seven-point vision focusing on pan-African unity, sustainable development, peace and security, youth empowerment, gender equality, climate change, and good governance. Somalia’s government spokesman and Minister for Information, Daud Aweis, voiced support for Adam’s candidacy, citing Somalia’s recent diplomatic achievements and its readiness to play a significant role on the international stage.
Before serving as Foreign Affairs minister from 2012 to 2014, Fawzia Yusuf Adam had a distinguished diplomatic career, including stints in Moscow, Washington DC, Berlin, and Paris. However, her past includes controversial moments, such as advocating for Somaliland’s secession from Somalia and facing challenges in her political journey.
Despite facing cultural and traditional obstacles, Fawzia Yusuf Adam has persevered, championing education for ordinary citizens and holding positions of leadership in Somalia. Currently leading the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Party and serving as a federal MP, she continues to pursue her passion for public policy by studying at John Hopkins University School of International Studies.
Fawzia Yusuf Adam’s candidacy complicates Raila Odinga’s bid for the AUC Chairperson position, as both seek the support of the East African region. If elected, Fawzia Yusuf Adam would become only the second female head of the AUC, following South Africa’s Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma. The upcoming elections in February next year are expected to be fiercely contested, given the rotational rules that favor candidates from the Eastern Africa region.
Somalia’s endorsement of Fawzia Yusuf Adam reflects a strategic move to elevate the country’s profile on the international stage and contribute to Africa’s unity and progress. As the race for the AUC Chairperson position heats up, all eyes will be on the candidates vying for this influential role in shaping the continent’s future.
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