Somalia Withdraws from AUC Chairmanship Race: Public Interest Cited

On Thursday, 20th of July, 2024 Somalia through its candidate for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson, Fawzia Yusuf Adam, have withdrawn from the race.

A senior official within the Federal Government of Somalia, speaking to 5 Magazine, stated that the government has chosen not to participate in the African Union Commission Chairmanship race. This decision, the official explained, is based on several factors that align with the best interests of the Somali nation.

The official explained that the first reason for the decision is rooted in the global emphasis on alliances. As Somalia received support from East African countries for its bid to obtain temporary membership on the UN Security Council, it was agreed that the African Union Commission Chairmanship should be given to one of the countries that supported Somalia’s UN bid. This was done as “a gesture of reciprocity and to further strengthen regional collaboration.”

The second reason according to the official stems from Somalia’s recent entry into the East African Community (EAC). As a member of the EAC bloc, Somalia is obligated to adhere to the rule of supporting a single candidate for regional, continental, and international political positions as was done at the UN security Council where Somalia emerged victorious. In this instance, Somalia is expected to support the candidate that the EAC member states agree upon and given that all members played a crucial role in supporting Somalia’s bid for the UN Security Council, it is incumbent upon Somalia to reciprocate that support by backing the EAC candidate for the position.

Besides the support from the East African Community, numerous friendly governments in the region who are also candidates for the AUC Chairmanship played a crucial role in Somalia’s successful bid for the UN Security Council seat. To honor these friendships, Somalia ultimately withdrew from the race.

An African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson election will be held in February 2025 to choose the fifth Commission Chair to succeed incumbent Chairperson Moussa Faki.

Candidates’ nominations were closed down on May 2024. The new chair will be elected at the 38th AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in February 2025. The AU Assembly will elect the chair by secret ballot.

Past chairpersons have hailed from western, central and southern regions of the African Union. The AU Executive Council has asserted the right of the East African region to produce the next chairperson and North Africa will therefore vie for the deputy chairperson post.

Securing the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) non-permanent membership and its role in Somalia’s withdrawal

On Thursday, June 6, 2024, five new countries were elected to serve on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2025-2026 term during UN General Assembly session. Somalia, Pakistan, Panama, Greece, and Denmark emerged victorious in the elections.

All five countries secured the necessary two-thirds majority vote threshold. Somalia garnered 179 votes, while Pakistan received 182, Panama 183, Greece 182, and Denmark secured the highest number of votes with 184. These nations will succeed Ecuador, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, and Switzerland, beginning their two-year terms on January 1st, 2025, and concluding on December 31st, 2026.

This marked a significant moment for Somalia, as it will be the country’s second stint as a non-permanent UNSC member. Pakistan brings a wealth of experience, having previously served seven terms. Panama, Denmark, and Greece will contribute their expertise, having held five, four, and two terms respectively.

The UN Security Council (UNSC) comprises two distinct member groups: five permanent members (China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US) and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms. These non-permanent seats are rotated annually, with five filled each year.

Geographic distribution plays a role in these elections. Two seats are allocated to African nations, one to Asia and the Pacific, one to Latin America and the Caribbean, and one to Eastern Europe.

To secure a non-permanent seat, a candidate country needs to win the support of at least two-thirds of the General Assembly’s voting members. This translates to 129 votes out of the 193 total member states.

To secure the necessary two-thirds majority vote in the General Assembly, Somalia actively engaged in diplomatic efforts with its international allies and partners, particularly those within shared international organizations. This strategic approach led Somalia to withdraw its candidacy for the AUC Chairmanship, prioritizing the preservation of valuable relationships and making concessions for the greater good.