AUC elections: What we know so far

As the race for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson heats up, African leaders are gathering for a crucial vote that could reshape the continent’s leadership.

Yesterday, the Executive Council—comprising African foreign ministers, participated in the vote for AUC commissioners. 

Eswatini secured the Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment portfolio, beating Congo-Brazzaville. 

South Africa won the Infrastructure and Energy post with 41 votes.

Nigeria’s Bankole Adeoye retained the influential Political Affairs, Peace, and Security position, securing a two-thirds majority in the first round against Central African Republic’s Jean Jacques Demafouth.

Meanwhile, Morocco blocked Algeria’s bid to control the African Union Peace and Security Council, forcing a postponement of the election. Algeria had garnered 30 votes, while Morocco secured 15, failing to meet the required quorum.

The foreign ministers are set to complete the election of AU commissioners today, alongside the official handover of the African Union chairmanship. 

Angola's President, João Lourenço, is expected to take over from Mauritania’s Mohamed Ould Ghazouani for a one-year term. The AU chairmanship is a service of one year. 
President William Ruto has this afternoon arrived in Addis Ababa ahead of the 38th AU Summit. 

Kenya's Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, confirmed to KTN on Thursday, February 13, that more Heads of State are expected to arrive today for the summit’s opening, after which the AUC chairperson election will take place.

According to Mudavadi, 35 Heads of State are expected to attend, while other countries will be represented by their vice presidents or foreign ministers.

Beyond elections, African leaders will also address pressing climate and security challenges. Mudavadi stressed the importance of electing the AUC chairperson swiftly to ensure leadership continuity.

"It will be very unfortunate if we have all these leaders and we don't get a leader. As a continent, we are at a crossroads. It is important that this summit is conclusive in ushering in new leadership," said Mudavadi.  

His remarks come ahead of the highly anticipated AUC chairperson election, where, for the first time, East Africa is fielding a candidate—a move that could shift regional power dynamics within the AU.

Kenya’s candidate, Raila Odinga, is already in the capital, Addis Ababa as the continent awaits the decisive vote.