The Tanzanian Government has pledged to support Kenya's Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed for the position of AU Commission chairperson.
In a press statement by Tanzania's Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Augustine Mahiga, the neighbouring country noted that Ms Mohamed was the most suited candidate for the job citing her diplomatic prowess and leadership capability.
“Tanzania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Augustine Mahiga, reaffirmed Tanzania’s and East Africa’s commitment to Kenya’s African Union Commission chairperson candidacy.
“He was emphatic that Ambassador Amina Mohamed was the candidate best suited for the position. He added that Amina Mohamed’s diplomatic prowess and leadership capability was critical to building consensus and generating agreement around issues of interest to Africa,” part of the statement from Dr Mahiga's office read.
The new announcement by Dr Mahiga comes as a surprise considering Tanzania is a member of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) bloc.
SADC member countries had earlier pledged to support Botswana's foreign minister, Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi, for the AU post.
Other candidates eyeing the position include Moussa Faki Mahamat (Chad), Agapito Mba Mokuy- (Guinea) and Abdoulaye Bathily - (Senegalese environment Minister).
Tanzania's decision comes barely two months after President John Pombe Magufuli visited Kenya for the first time after ascending to power.
