Fawzia Yusuf Adam, Former Foreign Minister of Somalia, has declared her candidacy for the position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC).
This announcement follows weeks of speculation, with Somalia’s Information Ministry previously hinting at her potential candidature. The AUC election, scheduled for February 2025, will determine the successor to Mousa Faki as the chairperson of the commission.
Expressing gratitude for the endorsement of her candidacy by President Hassan Mohamud and the Federal Government of Somalia, Adam affirmed her commitment to representing Somalia’s interests on the African continent’s highest decision-making body.
She said, “I am happy that I am Somalia’s candidate for the African Union presidency. I would like to thank President Hassan Mohamud and the Federal Government of Somalia for their full support and encouragement.”
Adam, who previously served as Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister from November 2012 to January 2014, is the first woman from Somalia to be nominated for this prestigious position.
Somalia, a founding member of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, has historically not held prominent positions within the AU, making Adam’s candidacy a significant milestone for the country.
Raila Odinga from Kenya is also in the race for the AUC Chairmanship, actively lobbying for support. In the upcoming election, a candidate must secure two-thirds of the votes to clinch the position of Chairperson.
The AUC is responsible for executing executive functions and comprises ten officials, including a Chairperson, a Deputy Chairperson, and eight Commissioners.
The commission represents and safeguards the interests of the Union under the guidance of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government and the Executive Committee.
