The African Union will hold its leadership elections in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on February 15 and 16, preceded by the selection of AU Commissioners on February 12 and 13. The process follows established protocols, with the Assembly electing the chairperson and deputy chairperson and the Executive Council selecting commissioners for subsequent Assembly appointments. Commission members serve four-year terms with the option for one renewal.
A distinguished Panel of Eminent Africans representing five regional personalities oversees candidate pre-selection for the Commission's senior leadership positions. The electoral process continues until a candidate secures a two-thirds majority, as stipulated in AU regulations.
This year's election faces unique circumstances, with six member states barred from participation due to various political upheavals. Niger, Mali, Guinea, Gabon, Burkina Faso, and Sudan remain suspended following decisions by the African Union's Peace and Security Council. The suspensions stem from military coups and civil conflicts, with Mali, Guinea, and Sudan suspended in 2021, Burkina Faso in 2022, Gabon in August 2023, and Sudan's suspension reinforced in January 2025. These nations cannot participate in AU activities until they restore civilian governance and receive readmission approval.
The race for AUC chairperson features three prominent candidates: Kenya's former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Djibouti's Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and Madagascar's Richard Randriamandrato. The candidates presented their visions for implementing the AU Mandate and Africa's Agenda 2063 during a televised debate on December 13, 2024. They compete to succeed Moussa Faki of Chad at the 38th AU summit.
Recent developments indicate strong support for Odinga's candidacy, with endorsements from 21 member states as of January 15. The successful candidate must secure backing from two-thirds of the eligible voting members, requiring support from 33 African Union member states. The election marks a crucial transition in African leadership, determining who will guide the continent's premier international organization into its next chapter.
A distinguished Panel of Eminent Africans representing five regional personalities oversees candidate pre-selection for the Commission's senior leadership positions. The electoral process continues until a candidate secures a two-thirds majority, as stipulated in AU regulations.
This year's election faces unique circumstances, with six member states barred from participation due to various political upheavals. Niger, Mali, Guinea, Gabon, Burkina Faso, and Sudan remain suspended following decisions by the African Union's Peace and Security Council. The suspensions stem from military coups and civil conflicts, with Mali, Guinea, and Sudan suspended in 2021, Burkina Faso in 2022, Gabon in August 2023, and Sudan's suspension reinforced in January 2025. These nations cannot participate in AU activities until they restore civilian governance and receive readmission approval.
The race for AUC chairperson features three prominent candidates: Kenya's former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Djibouti's Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and Madagascar's Richard Randriamandrato. The candidates presented their visions for implementing the AU Mandate and Africa's Agenda 2063 during a televised debate on December 13, 2024. They compete to succeed Moussa Faki of Chad at the 38th AU summit.
Recent developments indicate strong support for Odinga's candidacy, with endorsements from 21 member states as of January 15. The successful candidate must secure backing from two-thirds of the eligible voting members, requiring support from 33 African Union member states. The election marks a crucial transition in African leadership, determining who will guide the continent's premier international organization into its next chapter.
