The Election leadership of the AU Commission will play a critical role in shaping challenges for Africa

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38th AU Summit: A Turning Point for Continent’s Leadership, Global Reparatory Justice

By Girma Mirgesa

While Addis Ababa is undergoing significant construction and corridor development, it remains prepared to host the 38th African Union (AU) Summit from February 12-16, 2025. The city, known as the political capital of Africa, is continuously evolving, with new infrastructure projects underway to support its growing role as a hub for continental diplomacy. Despite ongoing construction, Addis Ababa is set to provide a modern and functional setting for the summit, ensuring that the event runs smoothly while showcasing the city’s growth and development. This ongoing transformation underscores Ethiopia’s commitment to strengthening its position as a key player on the African and global stage.

This summit is poised to be a pivotal event for the continent, as it will not only address the long-standing issue of reparations for historical injustices but also usher in a new chapter in the leadership of the AU Commission. Under the theme “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,” the summit provides a unique opportunity for Heads of State and Government to confront historical wrongs while positioning the AU as a central player in global debates.

A Focus on Reparations: A Historical Call for Justice

At the heart of the summit is the call for reparations for Africans and people of African descent, a move that acknowledges the deep scars of colonialism, slavery, and other injustices that have shaped the continent’s history. Reparatory justice is not merely about addressing past wrongs, but about advancing a global agenda that seeks to correct the social, economic, and political inequalities that still plague many African nations today. This focus on reparations is a bold statement, setting the stage for the AU to assert its influence on the world stage by advocating for the rights and dignity of African people.

The AU Commission Leadership Elections

Another key focal point of this year’s summit is the highly anticipated elections for the AU leadership, including the chairperson, deputy chairperson, and six commissioners.
The elections are expected to dominate discussions, with the future of the AU Commission hanging in the balance. The Commission is one of the most influential bodies within the AU, responsible for shaping the continent’s policies and decision-making processes. The leadership elections, therefore, are not just about choosing a figurehead but selecting a leader who will navigate Africa through an era of unprecedented challenges.

For the position of Chairperson, there are three strong candidates, all hailing from Eastern Africa. These are Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and Madagascar’s former Foreign Affairs Minister Richard Randriamandrato. The elections will be held in line with a regional rotation system adopted in March 2024, which ensures that the chairmanship rotates between different regions of the continent.
The Role of the New Chair: A Task of Enormous Responsibility
Despite a number of remarkable achievements registered over the past years, the incoming chairperson of the AU Commission will inherit an institution that is grappling with a range of other complex challenges. One of the most critical tasks for the new leader will be ensuring that the AU continues to promote good governance across the continent, in line with the Lomé Principles, which emphasize democracy, rule of law, and respect for human rights. This is no easy feat, given the political instability and governance challenges in various African countries.
Furthermore, the new leadership will need to amplify the AU’s voice on the global stage. In recent years, the AU has made strides in presenting a united front in discussions on global issues, but there is still much work to be done. The new chairperson will be tasked with advocating for Africa’s interests in critical global forums, such as the Group of Twenty (G20), and making sure that Africa’s voice is heard in discussions about the global economy, climate change, and security issues.

The Geopolitical Context: A Time of Transformation

The timing of this election could not be more significant. The world is undergoing profound shifts, with increasing political fragmentation, economic uncertainty, and the growing complexity of global conflicts. In Africa, these challenges are compounded by the rise in climate-induced extreme weather events, escalating poverty and inequality, and a fast-evolving technological landscape.
In this context, the AU Commission will need a leader who can navigate these challenges and lead the continent toward greater unity and prosperity. With the AU Commission leadership elections looming, there are high expectations for the new chairperson and commissioners to tackle the continent’s most pressing issues. The elections may not be generating the kind of enthusiasm one might expect for a leadership change of this magnitude, but their impact on the AU’s future direction cannot be overstated. The leadership of the AU Commission will play a critical role in shaping the continent’s ability to confront and overcome its myriad challenges.

As the summit approaches, much of the focus will be on how the new leadership team can meet the expectations set for them. Will they be able to unite Africa’s diverse nations and push for reparatory justice? Can they steer the AU through the turbulent waters of global change? Only time will tell, but this summit, and the leadership decisions made therein, will surely have a lasting impact on Africa’s trajectory in the years to come.

The eyes of the continent, and indeed the world, will be on the African Union as it grapples with these momentous decisions and decisions that will define the future of Africa and its people.