Somalia props former foreign minister Fawzia Yusuf for AU top job

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The government of Somalia has endorsed a veteran lawmaker and career civil servant Dr. Fawzia Yusuf H. Adam for the African Union Commission (AUC) post, with the country set to activate shuttle diplomatic missions across Africa ahead of the elections.

In 2025, Moussa Faki is set to exit from the post having exhausted his two terms of four years, leaving the space for yet another continental battle. Faki was first elected in 2017 and managed to successfully defend the seat in 2021.

Hamsa Abdi Barre, the Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia, announced that the country will be fronting Fawzia, acknowledging her immense expertise on matters of governance and administration throughout her period as a state officer.

"Following key diplomatic achievements such as lifting the arms embargo, debt relief, and joining the EAC, Somalia is now well-placed to play a major role in the world. Delighted to put forward veteran diplomat Fawzia Yusuf H. Adam as our nominee for the top position at the AU," Daudi Aweis, Somalia’s Minister for information said.

Fawzia, a serving legislator in Somalia, has previously served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs. Her bid has also been backed by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who is "impressed" with her contribution towards securing peace and stability in Somalia.

Those who are acquainted with her lauded Somalia’s decision to front her name for the top job. The AU Commission chairperson is responsible for running daily activities for the Addis Ababa-based African Union, which champions for interests of Africans globally..

"With her exceptional background in international affairs, she stands as an outstanding candidate, poised to bring a wealth of experience to this prestigious organization," said Dr. Ali Said, another seasoned diplomatic and lawmaker.

"With her visionary leadership, she aims to bring Africa to the forefront of the world's decision-making bodies and contribute significantly to shaping the future of the African continent."

Fawzia is likely to face a stiff challenge from Kenya's veteran opposition leader and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who is reportedly interested in the position. Multiple sources in Kenya indicate that Mr. Odinga, 79, who has narrowly missed the presidency four times, has settled to run for the seat.

President William Ruto is said to be preparing to unveil Raila as Kenya's candidate, a strategic move meant to forcefully exit Odinga from local politics. In 2017, Kenya backed former Foreign Affairs Minister Amina Mohamed, who lost narrowly to Faki.

GAROWE ONLINE