Mogadishu (AX) — Fawzia Yusuf Adam, Somalia’s pick for the African Union (AU) Chair, declared that Somali authorities and four federal member state chieftains are urging her to step down. This pressure comes from Djibouti’s President, Ismail Omar Guelleh.
During a presser in Mogadishu on Thursday, Adam clarified her unwavering stance: she won’t budge from her AU Chair race, slated for 2025. “Leaders told me to step back. I emphasized the seat’s significance, but they wouldn’t listen. They think Djibouti should get it. I can’t shirk this responsibility, because that would be a dark compromise,” she resolutely stated.
She further highlighted that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud iced her AU bid in favor of Kenya. “I’ve been blocked twice from attaining AU leadership. Not sure if it’s sexism or some hidden agenda,” she lamented.
Adam’s candidacy was officially unveiled in February 2024, as a challenge to Kenya’s Raila Odinga. Somali leaders backed her, aiming to amplify Somalia’s clout in the AU. By March, Somali authorities began rallying support, forming a committee dedicated to her campaign to highlight the bid’s gravity.
The paradox of Somali leaders covertly pressing Adam to bow out while publicly championing her campaign reveals a complex power play. Despite outward support, Adam alleges behind-the-scenes pressure mainly from Djibouti and Kenya to reconsider her candidature.
In May, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) backed Adam, strengthening her stance against Odinga. The OIC’s endorsement was a game-changer, forecasted to tip the scales in her favor.
Last year, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud received backlash for not supporting Marwa Abdi Bashir’s bid for the International Parliamentary Union (IPU) chief. Instead, he endorsed Tanzania, which triumphed, to secure Tanzania’s help with Somalia’s East African Community entry and a UN seat.
The AU Chair race got fiercer with Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf joining in April 2024. His candidacy stirred regional dynamics, shifting power balances and strategic ties across the Horn of Africa. Djibouti’s significant geopolitical clout, due to its pivotal location and foreign military bases, pits it against Somalia and Kenya for the AU’s pinnacle role. Djibouti’s entry amplified lobbying endeavours and exposed latent tensions and alliances among neighbors.
Kenya’s President, William Ruto, aiming to bolster Kenya’s stance in regional and global politics, played a central role. Kenyan media reported Ruto’s vigorous efforts to get Somalia to withdraw in favor of Raila Odinga.
The race escalated further with Seychelles joining, making it a four-way showdown.
