A collage featuring AUC chairperson candidates Fawzia Yusuf Adam (Somalia) on the left and Raila Odinga (Kenya) on the right. PHOTO: RAILA ODINGA / FAWZIA ADAM
In Summary:
- Somalia’s Fawzia Yusuf Adam alleges pressure from Djiboutian leaders to withdraw from the AU Chairperson race.
- Adam remains resolute, facing competition from Kenya’s Raila Odinga and other candidates.
Somalia’s candidate for Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Fawzia Yusuf Adam, voiced concerns on Thursday about being pressured to withdraw from the race.
During a press briefing, Adam revealed that she had reportedly faced pressure from Djiboutian President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre.
“The President and the Prime Minister from Djibouti asked me to give up,” Adam stated, recounting her experience at a National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting where she claims she was urged to stop running for the position without being provided a reason.
Despite the pressure, Adam emphasized that threats and intimidation would not deter her pursuit of the AUC Chairperson position.
She is set to face competition from Kenya’s Raila Odinga and two other candidates from across the continent.
“I am grateful to all the Somali people for supporting me. Victory in Somalia,” she added.
Adam’s revelation sparked mixed reactions, with some locals urging her to remain resilient in her bid, while others suggested she yield to the pressure, citing the qualifications of Djibouti’s candidate.
Alongside Adam and Odinga, Djibouti’s Mahamoud Ali Youssouf is also vying for the prestigious AU Chairmanship position.
Raila Odinga’s candidacy has garnered support from Kenya, led by President William Ruto, and other regional leaders.
The new chairperson will be selected in February 2025 at the 38th AU summit, a decision eagerly anticipated by all member states.
If elected, the new chairperson will undertake the role of administrator and enforcer of the AU’s objectives and interests on the global stage.
They will also prepare the budget, facilitate the functioning of AU organ meetings, and ensure conformity with agreed AU policies, strategies, programs, and projects.