List of AUC chairpersons over the years

The African Union (AU) was established in July 2002, marking a significant step in the continent’s push for regional integration. 

Emerging from the defunct Organisation of African Unity (OAU), the AU introduced structural, institutional, and policy reforms aimed at revitalising Africa’s political and economic cooperation.

At the heart of the AU’s operations is the African Union Commission (AUC), its executive arm responsible for implementing the union’s vision. 

Over the years, AUC chairpersons have played key roles in shaping the AU’s direction—some leaving strong legacies, while others struggled with bureaucracy, political interference, and shifting continental dynamics.

Who are the men and women who have sat at the helm of the commission? 

Amara Essy (2002–2003)
As OAU Secretary-General, Amara Essy was tasked with leading its transition into the AU, serving as the interim AUC chairperson from 2002 to 2003. His tenure was pivotal, overseeing not just a symbolic shift but a structural transformation aimed at making the AU more effective in addressing Africa’s political, economic, and security challenges.

One of his key achievements was laying the foundation for the AU’s operational framework, including the establishment of the Peace and Security Council (PSC), envisioned as Africa’s version of the UN Security Council. 

He also helped define the role of the AUC chairperson, granting it more executive authority compared to the largely ceremonial position of the OAU Secretary-General.

Despite his short tenure, Essy set the stage for the commission’s future growth. 

However, he faced resistance from some African leaders wary of AU reforms encroaching on national sovereignty. Securing funding and political commitment from member states also remained a challenge.

Alpha Oumar Konaré (2003–2008)
The former Malian president, Alpha Oumar Konaré, succeeded Essy and served from September 2003 to April 2008.

 His leadership focused on further institutionalising AU reforms and strengthening its role in regional stability.

He played a major role in launching the African Peace Facility in 2004 through an agreement with the European Union, aimed at financing peacekeeping operations. He also championed political and economic integration, advocating for policies to enhance African unity and self-reliance.

But, Konaré faced significant challenges, including financial constraints that hindered AU initiatives.

Political divisions among member states also complicated policy implementation. Despite these obstacles, he shaped both Mali’s democratic trajectory and the AU’s development.

He chose not to seek re-election.

Jean Ping (2008–2012)
Konaré’s decision paved the way for a competitive election, which Jean Ping won, becoming the third AUC chairperson.

Ping focused on promoting the AU’s institutional capacity and expanding its role in conflict resolution and peacekeeping. Ping championed political integration and worked to establish mechanisms for addressing security challenges.

However, like his predecessors, he struggled with financial limitations and political divisions among AU member states. His leadership faced criticism, particularly for lacking assertiveness in handling crises in Libya and Côte d'Ivoire.

During his tenure, Africa experienced several coups, including one in Niger in 2010. In response, Ping initiated consultations to establish an international contact group to coordinate efforts in restoring constitutional order. The AU suspended Niger, enforcing its policy against unconstitutional changes of government.

Ping sought re-election in 2012 but failed to secure the required two-thirds majority. After several rounds of voting, the election was postponed, and he continued as a caretaker leader.

Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma (2012–2017)
In July 2012, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma beat Ping in a highly contested election, becoming the first woman to chair the African Union Commission.

A former South African minister under Nelson Mandela, she brought a bureaucratic and reform-driven leadership style to the AU. 

Her most notable achievement was spearheading Agenda 2063, a long-term development blueprint aimed at transforming Africa into a prosperous, integrated, and peaceful continent. She emphasised industrialization, women’s empowerment, and intra-Africa trade.

As the first female AUC chair, she championed gender equality, advocating for more women in leadership within the AU and across Africa. She also played a role in operationalising the African Standby Force (ASF) for peacekeeping missions, which mediated crises in South Sudan and Burundi with mixed success.

However, Dlamini-Zuma’s tenure was marred by challenges. The AU struggled to take decisive action on major conflicts in South Sudan, Central Africa, and Burundi. Critics argued that she lacked diplomatic flexibility in handling political and security crises.

Her leadership was also seen as bureaucratic rather than politically influential, limiting her role in high-level decision-making. While she focused on long-term development strategies, urgent threats like Boko Haram and Al-Shabaab were not effectively addressed.

Dlamini-Zuma did not seek re-election, leaving office in 2017.

Moussa Faki Mahamat (2017–present)
Moussa Faki, a former Chadian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, brought a more diplomatic and pragmatic approach to the Commission. 

Unlike Dlamini-Zuma, who was seen as bureaucratic, Faki positioned himself as politically engaged, and actively involved in security crises, diplomatic mediation, and AU reforms.

Among his key achievements were institutional and financial reforms. Faki pushed for greater financial independence for the AU, urging member states to increase their contributions to reduce reliance on external donors.

He also oversaw the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to create a single African market. 

Additionally, Faki has played a leading role in Africa’s response to COVID-19, securing vaccines through the African Vaccine Acquisition Task Team (AVATT) in collaboration with global health organisations.

Faki has been more engaged in conflict resolution than his predecessor, chairing mediation efforts in Sudan, the Ethiopia-Tigray war, and Libya.

However, his tenure has also faced setbacks. Under his leadership, Africa has witnessed six coups, with the AU suspending the involved countries but failing to take strong action to reverse the takeovers. He acknowledged the AU’s limited influence in addressing military takeovers due to resistance from military rulers and geopolitical complexities.

Despite his efforts, conflicts in Sudan, Libya, Somalia, and the Sahel region remain unresolved, with critics arguing that while Faki has been more proactive, the AU still lacks the power to enforce its decisions, making its role largely advisory.

Faki’s term is set to end this February, with his successor expected to be known in the next few days. The election is scheduled for Saturday, February 15, and Sunday, February 16.