By Prince Kurupati
On December 13, 2024, history unfolded at the African Union (AU) headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, as three candidates for the AU Commission Chairpersonship took the stage in the much-anticipated Mjadala Afrika Leadership Debate.
With the current Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, set to conclude his tenure in early 2025, the debate offered a platform for contenders to present their vision for Africa’s development, peace, and place on the global stage. The event featured Kenya’s Raila Odinga, Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato, each articulating bold plans and solutions for the continent.
This debate was only the second of its kind since 2017, signifying its importance in shaping the AU’s next chapter. The candidates tackled pressing issues ranging from economic integration and regional security to Africa’s representation in global forums, giving Africans a glimpse into the priorities and leadership styles of those vying for the prestigious role.
Economic Integration and Trade: Unlocking Africa’s Potential
Economic transformation emerged as a common thread in the candidates’ arguments, with a shared understanding that Africa’s economic strength lies within. Raila Odinga, Kenya’s veteran politician and former Prime Minister, passionately highlighted the potential of Africa’s internal markets.
“We have a huge domestic market that we must prioritize,” Odinga asserted, envisioning a future where African economies thrive through intra-African trade and value addition. His vision included investing in education, health, and industrialization to position Africa as a competitive global player. “I believe I have what it takes to get us where we would like to be in these areas,” he emphasized.
Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf brought an equally ambitious perspective, focusing on the idea of a single African currency to simplify trade and foster regional cooperation. “Are we going to have a single currency? Why not?” he asked, urging African nations to think boldly and innovatively about economic integration.
Meanwhile, Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato pointed to existing regional economic blocs, such as the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), as vital mechanisms for facilitating trade. He called for an inclusive approach that strengthens partnerships among African nations to eliminate trade barriers and maximize economic opportunities.
Peace and Security: A Continent’s Greatest Challenge
Africa’s persistent security challenges—ranging from internal conflicts to external military interventions—took centre stage during the debate. All three candidates recognized the critical need to address peace and security if Africa is to achieve sustainable development.
Youssouf underscored the importance of unity in tackling regional conflicts. “When there is no unity of purpose among neighbouring countries, peace will be compromised,” he warned. He proposed bolstering the AU’s standby force, reducing reliance on foreign powers, and empowering African nations to take charge of their security.
Randriamandrato echoed this sentiment, advocating for a future where African countries manage their security without foreign military bases on the continent. “Foreign military bases should become a thing of the past,” he declared, emphasizing the importance of homegrown solutions to ensure peace and stability.
Odinga, on his part, stressed the need for dialogue and robust regional cooperation to resolve conflicts. He highlighted his track record as a mediator in African peace processes, a testament to his commitment to fostering unity across the continent.
Africa’s Voice on the Global Stage: The Push for UN Reforms
One of the most resonant issues of the debate was Africa’s representation in global decision-making, particularly within the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Currently, Africa, despite being home to 54 nations, has no permanent seat on the UNSC. The candidates unanimously called for reforms to correct this imbalance.
Odinga was unequivocal in his demand: “Africa must get two permanent seats in the UN Security Council. Permanent representation with veto powers is a must for Africa.” His statement underscored the urgency of elevating Africa’s global voice to match its geopolitical and economic significance.
Randriamandrato emphasized the importance of a unified stance among African nations. “We need to speak with one voice,” he said, calling for collective efforts to advance Africa’s interests in global forums. Youssouf, while aligning with the others, added a pragmatic angle, focusing on building alliances with other regions to push for reforms.
AU Reforms: Making the Union Work for All
Reforming the African Union itself was another priority shared by all candidates. While the AU has made significant strides in recent years, inefficiencies and funding challenges remain. The candidates pledged to address these issues head-on.
Youssouf acknowledged the difficulties of implementing reforms but emphasized the need for member states to take ownership of the process. “Key reforms face funding challenges, but I will advocate for them without imposing on member states,” he promised, hinting at a consultative approach.
Odinga proposed streamlining decision-making processes within the AU, ensuring that policies are not only well-crafted but also actionable. He also emphasized the importance of engaging the African public in AU initiatives to foster greater accountability and transparency.
Randriamandrato, on the other hand, focused on resource mobilization, advocating for innovative funding mechanisms to reduce the AU’s reliance on external donors.
Engaging the Continent: A Debate for All Africans
What made the Mjadala Afrika Leadership Debate particularly impactful was its accessibility. The event was broadcast live across various platforms, including national broadcasters, the AU’s official channels, and social media, allowing Africans from all walks of life to engage with the candidates’ ideas. The AU also encouraged public participation through the hashtag #MjadalaAfrika, sparking a vibrant online conversation about the continent’s future.
For many viewers, the debate was not just a contest of ideas but a reflection of Africa’s potential to define its destiny. As one social media user commented, “This is the Africa we want—leaders who engage directly with the people and offer clear visions for the future.”
Looking Ahead
With the AU Chairpersonship election set for February 2025, the debate has set the stage for a defining moment in African leadership. Raila Odinga, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and Richard Randriamandrato have each presented compelling cases for their candidacies, leaving Africans to ponder which vision best aligns with the continent’s aspirations.
As the clock ticks toward the election, one thing is clear: the next Chairperson of the African Union will inherit a continent brimming with challenges but also teeming with opportunities. How they navigate this complex landscape will determine Africa’s trajectory for years to come.
