In a significant last-minute diplomatic manoeuvre, the 16-member Southern African Development Community (SADC) bloc has officially urged its members to support Richard Randriamandrato, Madagascar’s candidate, for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chair seat.
This endorsement comes as part of a strategic push to unify the regional vote in the upcoming AUC elections.
Randriamandrato, a former Foreign Affairs Minister of Madagascar, has been actively campaigning across Africa, emphasizing his vision for economic self-reliance, climate resilience, and inclusive growth.
His candidacy has gained traction, especially following the withdrawal of Mauritius from the race, making him the sole SADC candidate.
This move by SADC could significantly sway the vote in Randriamandrato’s favour, especially considering the bloc’s influence in Southern African politics.
The AUC election is set to take place during the AU Summit in February 2025 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where a new chairperson will be elected to succeed Moussa Faki Mahamat.
