AU Candidates Debate Strategies for Strengthening Regional Security

A lively debate among AU leadership candidates explores innovative strategies to address regional security challenges, fostering peace and stability across Africa.

During a debate on Friday, three African politicians competing for the leadership of the African Union presented their strategies to improve regional security in light of ongoing conflicts and political instability.

They also highlighted the significance of enhancing trade within Africa, along with other crucial matters.

Raila Odinga from Kenya, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf from Djibouti, and Richard Randriamandrato from Madagascar are all contenders for the chairperson role of the 55-member African Union.

The candidates participated in a two-hour dialogue in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, advocating collectively for the allocation of two permanent seats on the U.N. Security Council specifically for African nations. They contended that this change would provide better representation for Africa, a continent characterized by its youthful demographic.

Odinga argued that it is crucial for Africa to obtain two permanent seats with veto power, considering it a matter of fairness due to the continent’s over 50 nations.

Randriamandrato urged member states to come together and present a united front in choosing Africa’s representatives for the UNSC.

The trio is focused on securing the support of most African nations before the February election to elect a successor for Moussa Faki, who has completed two terms as Chairperson of the African Union.

The African Union has faced a range of challenges, such as internal conflicts in member states and political coups, resulting in the expulsion of five countries from the union. These issues have made regional security a central topic for discussion on Friday.

Youssouf emphasized that boosting regional security could be accomplished by allocating more resources to a standby force, which would consequently lessen reliance on foreign aid.

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“Youssouf noted that peace is endangered when neighboring countries lack a shared purpose.”

Randriamandrato encouraged nations to manage their internal security, cautioning that foreign military bases should be viewed as outdated since they could potentially lead to increased conflict.

Although the youthful population of 1.3 billion is expected to double by 2050, regional trade still confronts significant challenges that were addressed during the debate.

Odinga highlighted that Africa has a substantial domestic market, which can be leveraged for economic transformation by enhancing trade opportunities among African countries.

Youssouf proposed a compensation system for payments aimed at preventing countries from suffering losses when trading in different currencies, and questioned, “Why not consider adopting a single currency?”

Randriamandrato emphasized the vital importance of regional economic blocs, like the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, in promoting trade throughout the continent.

The African Union has proposed several reforms to its structure and leadership aimed at enhancing its mission, with all candidates committing to implement these changes if elected.

Youssouf highlighted that critical reforms within the union are currently stalled due to funding issues, emphasizing, “This situation must change.” He also clarified that he would not enforce solutions on member states but rather “advocate for it.”