Algerian Envoy Selma Haddadi Chosen as Deputy Chair of African Union Commission
On an ordinary Saturday, right amidst the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly of the Heads of State and Government, an unassuming revolutionary shift occurred. Selma Haddadi was appointed as the next deputy chairperson of the AU Commission—an appointment that resonates across the continent like an unexpected melody echoing through familiar chords, signaling a fresh symphony for Africa.
Hailing from Algeria, Haddadi holds the esteemed position of ambassador to Ethiopia. Her election marks the beginning of a leadership term that will extend through the years 2025 to 2028. This decision heralds a transition of power from Monique Nsanzabaganwa of Rwanda, who has been pivotal as the outgoing deputy chair since March 2021, leaving behind a legacy as formidable as the African landscapes themselves.
Securing victory against five other prominent candidates from Northern Africa, Haddadi’s triumph illustrates more than mere numbers. It reflects a continent’s yearning for rejuvenation. As Monique Nsanzabaganwa confirmed the results, one couldn’t help but ponder: What winds of change will Haddadi bring with her? This question, layered with anticipation, sits at the forefront of Africa’s collective mind.
In crafting her vision statement, Haddadi exuded both passion and pragmatism. Her words painted a vivid canvas of transformation, pledging to invigorate the AU Commission with fresh paradigms of management and leadership. “Unleashing Africa’s full potential,” she declared, her voice reverberating with hope and determination. How would this vision unfold—through dramatic gestures of change or subtle shifts in the status quo?
Haddadi’s emphasis on the human capital of Africa sparked memories of past dialogues often kindled around conference tables. “Fresh and innovative energy” was not just a phrase; it was a call to action, one that sought to harness the untapped potential of Africa’s vast and diverse populace. Would African solutions organically grow from African problems, as she envisioned? Perhaps her words echo the late Nelson Mandela’s belief that “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
Meanwhile, another significant appointment took place concurrently—that of Djibouti’s Mahamoud Ali Youssouf. Entrusted with the role of AU Commission chairperson, Youssouf, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, stands at the helm of this continental vessel. Together with Haddadi, they face an intricate tapestry of challenges and opportunities, each thread representing a nation’s hopes, struggles, and dreams.
As the assembly concluded, the atmosphere was charged with a kind of quiet excitement. Like the hushed anticipation felt before a crucial match, expectations are high, and hopes even higher. In the words of Chinua Achebe, “The sun will shine on those who stand before it shines on those who kneel under them.” Africa is now standing, ready to bask in this promised new dawn.
The implications of Haddadi and Youssouf’s appointments extend beyond mere positions of power—they are symbolic of a continent on the cusp of reinvention. Embarking on this audacious journey, each decision taken is a step closer to the ideal of self-reliance and prosperity. The question that tantalizes the mind is not whether the journey will be challenging, but how Africa, with all its resilience, will navigate this new chapter.
As we reflect on these developments within the African Union, it’s important to remember that while the journey may be fraught with complexities, it is this very diversity of experience that can drive transformation. Africa’s narrative—rich, vibrant, sometimes tumultuous—continues to evolve, painting its history in colors as varied as the cultures it comprises.
So, we find ourselves pausing in the middle of this story, understanding that while history books will one day recount the outcomes, it is today’s actions, inspired decisions, and brave leadership that will fill future pages. The world watches, listens, and learns from the continent that knows how to rise from its challenges with poise and innovation.
As Selma Haddadi assumes her role, she carries not only the responsibilities tied to her office but also the whispers of dreams forged in the heart of Africa. And as she takes these pivotal strides, one wonders: What new stories will she help script on this vast, enchanting canvas called Africa?
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring
