Somalia's former Foreign Minister Fawzia Adam has declared her interest in the African Union Chairmanship, seeking to unseat incumbent Moussa Faki of Chad whose final term ends in 2025.
Fawzia will now compete with Azimio Leader Raila Odinga who announced his bid on February 15, 2024.
Reports indicated that Fawzia's candidature has been endorsed by Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre who both acknowledged her expertise on matters governance.
Daudi Aweis, Somalia's Minister for Information, also lauded Somalia's decision to field a candidate for the AU chairperson role, believing that she is a strong contender in the race.
"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," Aweis stated as quoted by Somalia news publication Garowe Online.
"Delighted to put forward veteran diplomat Fawzia Tusuf as our nominee for the top position at the AU."
Fawzia, who served as the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister of Somalia from 2012 to 2014, was also lauded for her contribution towards securing peace initiatives in the region.
"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," Dr Ali Said, a seasoned Somali lawmaker stated.
Raila's quest to secure the seat will require votes from the 55 member states. According to the former Prime Minister, six Heads of State have already endorsed his candidature.
These include William Ruto (Kenya), Yoweri Museveni (Uganda), Samia Suluhu (Tanzania), Salva Kiir (South Sudan), Cyril Ramaphosa (South Africa) and Felix Tshisekedi (DRC).
He noted that he would hold talks with Rwandese President Paul Kagame in the coming week to secure his vote.
“Next week I will meet Kagame, Mama Suluhu has said she will support me, Salva Kiir has accepted. The other day I was with Ramaphosa, he said yes, Tshisekedi has said yes,” he stated during a rally in Kisii on Thursday, February 29.
