AUC chair Faki tells what awaits election winner

The incoming chair of the African Union Commission (AUC) will find a full in-tray once he gets into office.

According to the outgoing chairman, Moussa Faki Mahamat, his eight-year tenure was full  of challenges, including violent conflicts, noting the ongoing conflict in Sudan and Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

He also cautioned about the difficulty of AU financing, saying it weighs heavily on its effectiveness and independence in decision making. 

“I am delighted to end my term along with you. I will cherish fond memories of your commitment, openness and constant availability,” said Mahamat yesterday ahead of the elections.

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The Chadian challenged the incoming leadership to continue advancing the interests of Africa.

“Together with the constant support of our Heads of State, we have done a lot and laid the foundation for more ambitious programmes. There is almost no significant field in which we have not worked, endeavoured and sometimes produced results, even if political, economic and diplomatic adversities have sometimes reduced our productivity and our production,” he said during the opening of the 46th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The highly anticipated AUC elections will be held on Saturday at the AU headquarters in Ethiopia during the 38th Ordinary Session of the heads of state and government.

Former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, faces Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar in the race to replace Mahamat.

Overcoming Covid-19

Mahamat cited the highlights of his leadership, including overcoming Covid-19, Ebola and M-Pox, with Africa CDC asserting itself as an effective tool.

He urged the continent to focus on innovation and artificial intelligence.

Mahamat noted that the African Continental Free Trade Area was getting operationalised despite obstacles.

Similarly, he said Africa’s position on climate change was being strengthened while agriculture and the blue economy are gradually taking their place in the continent’s strategic choices. The infrastructure and energy sectors have also made significant strides.

“Almost all organs of AU and all the specialised agencies have been making constant progress, both in terms of their institutional consolidation and in the diversity of the programmes and projects implemented. The institutional reform organisation has made significant progress and continues for positive conclusions.  Our international partnerships are widening and open new horizons,” he stated.

Mahamat lauded Africa’s credibility and visibility in the global arena.

“In truth, I had, over the last eight years, during my two terms, the feeling of always belonging to this central body of our organization the Executive Council, this Club of Ministers of Foreign Affairs which I had the honour to chair just before my accession to my current position,” he said.

Foreign and Daspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi spoke of a “crucial session” that would pave the way for various reforms.

“This crucial session sets the stage for adopting the draft agenda and addressing key issues shaping the AU Summit including reparations, United Nations Security Council reforms, global financial architecture and climate finance.

“It also provides an opportunity to vote for AUC commissioners and members of various committees, reinforcing the union’s governance and leadership,” said Mudavadi.

The Executive Council is expected to consider several instruments “critical to achieving Agenda 2063 and fostering a more inclusive, resilient, and digitally connected Africa”, according to the AU.