Mogadishu, (SONNA):- MP Fowsiyo Haji Adan, a member of the Somali federal parliament, has declared her candidacy for the post of Chairperson of the African Union Commission, the executive arm of the continental body.
Speaking at a press conference in Mogadishu on Thursday, Mrs. Fawsiyo said that she is running for the position to represent Somalia and the interests of the African people. She said that the AU Commission chair can play a vital role in advancing the development, peace and security of the continent.
She also said that Somalia has a historical claim to the position, as it was one of the founding members of the Organization of African Unity, the predecessor of the AU, in 1963. She said that Somalia attempted to secure the position in the 1970s, but failed, and has never held it since then.
She said that this time, the situation is different, as the region of East Africa has two candidates, herself and Kenya’s Rails Omollo Odinga, the former Prime Minister and opposition leader. She said that Somalia has a strong chance of winning the election, if it mobilizes enough support from other AU member states.
The election for the AU Commission chair will take place on February 25, 2025, during the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the AU, which will be held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
