Seychelles joins AU Commission Chairpersons race dealing blow to Raila and Somalia's Fawzia

The Indian Ocean Island of Seychelles has officially joined the race to succeed Mousa Faki as the African Union Commission Chairperson (AUC), in what could slim Kenya and Somalia's chances, after the two countries along with Djibouti had expressed interest.

Kenya has backed former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Somalia proposed Fawzia Yusuf while Djibouti, another Horn of Africa nation, suggested its Minister for Foreign Affairs for the strategic seat ahead of the 2025 elections.

And Seychelles has now endorsed its former Vice President Vincent Meriton for the continental post, making the race more complicated than it was envisaged. The four countries have kick-started campaigns for the seat, traversing all five African regions for support.

“The Foreign Affairs Department wishes to announce that the Government of Seychelles has endorsed the candidature of Mr. Vincent Meriton for the position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) in the election scheduled to take place in February 2025,” the country’s Foreign Office said on Wednesday.

According to Seychelles, Meriton's vast experience having served as Minister for Foreign Affairs, Health, Information Technology, the Blue Economy, and Entrepreneurship Development, gives him a cutting edge over his other competitors for the seat.

Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf declared interest after Raila Odinga and Fawzia Yusuf. Mr. Odinga enjoys support from East African leaders led by veteran Ugandan leader Yoweri Museveni, Salva Kiir of South Sudan, and Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Also, Rwanda President Paul Kagame and DR Congo's Felix Tshisekedi have since backed Raila Odinga. In March, the African Union agreed that the next AU Commission Chair shall come from East Africa since it has never served since the post was established.

Campaigns have not formally started but there is general interest, with perceived candidates travelling far and wide as they rally for their bids. There are reports of Hassan Sheikh Mohamud supporting Mr. Odinga but he is yet to come out publicly.

GAROWE ONLINE