Thursday May 23, 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) — Dr. Ali Saeed Faqi, former speaker of the South West administration parliament and now a member of Somalia's lower house of parliament, expressed concerns over reports that the Somali government is urging Fawzia H. Adam to withdraw her candidacy for the African Union Commission chairmanship.
"If these reports are true, it is a significant loss for Somalia," Dr. Faqi said. "The role of AUC chairman is highly influential and beneficial not only for our country but also for our national standing."
Dr. Faqi emphasized that holding the AUC chairmanship would allow Somalia to play a leading role in the African Union, shaping the organization's agenda and policies. He added that it would provide Somalia with a significant platform to address important issues concerning both the country and the African continent.
He urged the Somali government to reconsider any decision to withdraw from the race.
Dr. Faqi's remarks come as the Kenyan government is reportedly working to convince Somalia to step aside in favour of Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga, whom the Kenyan government is promoting for the position.
Somalia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, recently denied any plans to withdraw from the competition. However, Kenyan media continue to report efforts by Kenya to persuade Somalia to relinquish its bid for the AUC chairmanship.
Candidates for the African Union Commission chairmanship are expected to submit their applications by August this year, with the election scheduled for early 2025.