AU chairperson candidates hold first ever debate in Addis Ababa

African Union

Five candidates aspiring to be the next African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson engaged in the first public debate in the history of the Commission on Friday.

The Commission currently chaired by Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma said the debate is meant to transform the union by giving “the broad African public an opportunity to be informed and participate in the work of the commission.”

The South African Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has been the AU chairperson since 2012 and did not apply for a second term during the earlier nomination process.

Below are the five candidates for the African Union Commission Chairperson position and a summary of the points they made at the debate:

Botswana’s foreign minister Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi

.VensonMoitoi - we tend to leave women out when we speak about peace, they must be included #MjadalaAfrika pic.twitter.com/8lbs6cP13f
— AU Political Affairs (AUC_DPA) December 9, 2016

We must empower, protect and promote the development of our women, youth and children. Our future relies on them – Moitoi #MjadalaAfrika pic.twitter.com/Oa6RGeI7jm

— AU Political Affairs (@AUC_DPA) December 9, 2016

Hon VensonMoitoi urges accountability to Member States and a rebuilding of trust to ensure AU's financial independence #MjadalaAfrika pic.twitter.com/6qQUZvA69s
— AU Political Affairs (AUC_DPA) December 9, 2016

Under my leadership I will ensure we strengthen post-conflict reconstruction programs to allow nations to heal – VensonMoitoi #MjadalaAfrika pic.twitter.com/o5y3QQMix3
— AU Political Affairs (AUC_DPA) December 9, 2016

On silencing the guns: We must implement ACDEG as well as strengthen AGA & APSA – VensonMoitoi #MjadalaAfrika pic.twitter.com/b4xppx023f
— AU Political Affairs (AUC_DPA) December 9, 2016

Africa has a dream. I am able and capable of delivering that dream. – VensonMoitoi #MjadalaAfrika pic.twitter.com/UF4gqLqjbE
— AU Political Affairs (AUC_DPA) December 9, 2016

Chad’s foreign minister Moussa Faki Mahamat

We must do more than spew rhetoric for women & youth. We must empower them through education and training. – Hon. Moussa Faki #MjadalaAfrika pic.twitter.com/2evw8EbiRO

— AU Political Affairs (@AUC_DPA) December 9, 2016

We must strengthen early warning systems. I've sat in this room many times, partly why my hair has gone white! -Hon Moussa #MjadalaAfrika pic.twitter.com/vIvvtGKuHb

— AU Political Affairs (@AUC_DPA) December 9, 2016

On silencing the guns: We must address poor political and socio-economic governance in all countries – Faki Mahamat #MjadalaAfrika pic.twitter.com/I4v8oAAGyx

— AU Political Affairs (@AUC_DPA) December 9, 2016

Equatorial Guinea’s foreign minister Agapito Mba Mokuy

I would like to see an AU where average age is under 40. I will also push for an important position for women & youth #MjadalaAfrika pic.twitter.com/nL8ZquES7U

— AU Political Affairs (@AUC_DPA) December 9, 2016

Together we stand, separated we fall. We cannot stand together if our people cannot cross borders, which were fabricated #MjadalaAfrika pic.twitter.com/DDwdWeD8l6

— AU Political Affairs (@AUC_DPA) December 9, 2016

Our institutions must be powered on the strength of our youths. I intend to lead from the front on youth development – Mokuy #MjadalaAfrika pic.twitter.com/Gls936rrnU

— AU Political Affairs (@AUC_DPA) December 9, 2016

In order to have peace, we must take care of our young people. We must have programs towards culture of peace. – Hon. Agapito #MjadalaAfrika pic.twitter.com/lVZdDiwB5a

— AU Political Affairs (@AUC_DPA) December 9, 2016

On silencing the guns: We must address youth unemployment and build the culture of peace in Africa – AMokuy #MjadalaAfrika pic.twitter.com/RpCVnyAvnJ
— AU Political Affairs (AUC_DPA) December 9, 2016

Equatorial Guinea's Hon. Agapito – I am the youngest candidate in the history of this organization. #MjadalaAfrika pic.twitter.com/0i9AQgp7Bp

— AU Political Affairs (@AUC_DPA) December 9, 2016

Kenya’s foreign minister Amina Mohamed

We are the generation that followed the liberation. We are indebted to youth. We must create the level playing field. #MjadalaAfrika pic.twitter.com/DTBNYwfzys

— AU Political Affairs (@AUC_DPA) December 9, 2016

We need to talk to each other, trade with each other – we must break away from the confines of our borders – AMB_A_Mohammed #MjadalaAfrika pic.twitter.com/6Gao99kSlK
— AU Political Affairs (AUC_DPA) December 9, 2016

We need to talk to each other, trade with each other – we must break away from the confines of our borders – AMB_A_Mohammed #MjadalaAfrika pic.twitter.com/hE4HprQBkI
— Claire Mitchell (clairemitus) December 9, 2016

One who pays piper calls the tune. We must take responsibility for our development, growth and institutions. – Amb_A_Mohammed #MjadalaAfrika
— AU Political Affairs (AUC_DPA) December 9, 2016

On silencing the guns: We must address root causes, improve governance & empower the people – AMB_A_Mohammed #MjadalaAfrika pic.twitter.com/Nqs6pJ7V2G
— AU Political Affairs (AUC_DPA) December 9, 2016

I will continue to insist, our story is not a sad one. We have many things to take pride in. – AMB_A_Mohammed#MjadalaAfrika pic.twitter.com/OuwHqYL5fg
— AU Political Affairs (AUC_DPA) December 9, 2016

Senegal’s Bathily Abdoulaye who is the special UN envoy for Central Africa

We must eliminate all discrimination against women. We must put women at heart of all of our processes, in structural way. #MjadalaAfrika pic.twitter.com/hhjrk9JEl5

— Nebila Abdulmelik (@Aliben86) December 9, 2016

We can't talk about economy without talking about agents of those economies and transformation of societies – bathily4africa #MjadalaAfrika
— AU Political Affairs (AUC_DPA) December 9, 2016

We cannot continue to talk about African solutions to African problems without doing anything about it. – Bathily4Africa #MjadalaAfrika
— AU Political Affairs (AUC_DPA) December 9, 2016

We have several decisions on financing the AU. Now is the time to rally support for implementation – Bathily #MjadalaAfrika pic.twitter.com/X9dni5r3ue

— AU Political Affairs (@AUC_DPA) December 9, 2016

I am first and foremost an African citizen, committed to values of pan-Africanism. – bathily4africa #MjadalaAfrika pic.twitter.com/UtTuml5abc
— AU Political Affairs (AUC_DPA) December 9, 2016

On silencing the guns: Improve democracy, address inequalities and strengthen institutions – bathily4africa #MjadalaAfrika pic.twitter.com/DAtP91fYNS
— AU Political Affairs (AUC_DPA) December 9, 2016

The elections will be held during the 28th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government from January 30 to 31 at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.