Ex-Somali Foreign Minister Fauzia Adam Exits AUC Race as Kenya, Djibouti Ramp Up Bids

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Former Foreign Affairs Minister Fauzia Adam has withdrawn her candidature for the post of African Union Commission Chairperson leaving Kenya and Djibouti to battle it out.

It emerged on Wednesday that Fauzia will not be contesting for the coveted continental seat after her name did not appear in the list of candidates following the lapse of the time to submit the nominations.

Somalia did not formally endorse Fauzia for the seat despite having earlier lobbied for her in March. In April, the former minister and presidential candidate accused the Federal Government of frustrating her bid for the position but vowed to soldier on.

The exit of Fauzia now leaves Kenya’s Raila Odinga and Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Youssouf as the key contenders in the race. Two other candidates from Mauritius and Madagascar have also submitted their applications.

The elections will be held in January 2025 when the term of the current Chairperson Moussa Faki from Chad ends.