The SADC has formally urged its 16 member states to support Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato in the AUC chairperson elections. The SADC Secretariat planned to endorse him as the only candidate from their region. This decision aligns with a prior Heads of State resolution and could enhance the competitiveness of the elections, taking place in Addis Ababa against opponents like Raila Odinga.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has called upon its member states to back former Madagascar Foreign Affairs Minister Richard Randriamandrato in the upcoming African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson elections. In an official letter from the SADC Secretariat, it was noted that Madagascar had formally requested support from the organization’s 16 members for Randriamandrato’s candidacy.
SADC, in consultation with the Chairperson of the Council, concluded that there was not enough time to convene an Extraordinary Council of Ministers to discuss Madagascar’s request.
On February 12, the Secretariat stated, “A letter from the Secretariat seeking SADC Member States’ support for Madagascar’s candidacy should suffice.” Consequently, the letter encouraged SADC members to endorse Richard J. Randriamandrato, noting his candidacy for the AUC chairperson position in accordance with the August 2024 Council decision.
The SADC Secretariat emphasized that Randriamandrato is the only candidate from the SADC region shortlisted for the AUC chairperson role. In their letter, SADC highlighted Madagascar’s formal request for support from other member states.
Executed by SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi, the letter was sent to all 16 member states, including Tanzania, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, among others. SADC reaffirmed that its recommendation is in alignment with the Heads of State resolution from August 2024, which prompted the Secretariat to oversee the AUC elections and offer strategic guidance.
The decision to endorse Randriamandrato introduces a potential shift in election dynamics, increasing competitiveness in the race. He will be contending against Kenya’s Raila Odinga and Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mahamoud Ali Youssouf in the elections held in Addis Ababa.
Additionally, Heads of State commenced their arrival in Ethiopia ahead of the African Union’s 38th Ordinary Summit. During the summit, leaders will elect a new AUC Chairperson and deputy chairperson in what is anticipated to be one of the most competitive elections in AU history. Among those already present is President William Ruto, who arrived in Addis Ababa on Thursday afternoon.
Other leaders, including Botswana’s Duma Boko and Zimbabwe’s Emmerson Mnangagwa, have also arrived in preparation for the AUC election.
The SADC has urged its members to support Richard Randriamandrato from Madagascar for the chairperson elections of the African Union Commission. Randriamandrato represents the SADC region as the sole candidate shortlisted for the position. His endorsement by SADC may impact the election dynamics as he competes against notable candidates, including Raila Odinga and Mahamoud Ali Youssouf.
Original Source: www.the-star.co.ke
