Regional security strategies: a debate between the AU candidates

At a debate held on Friday, three African politicians vying for the leadership of the African Union outlined their strategies for strengthening regional security in the context of ongoing conflict and political upheaval.

Raila Odinga (Kenya), Mahamoud Ali Youssouf (Djibouti) and Richard Randriamandrato (Madagascar) are all candidates for the presidency of the 55-member African Union.

The candidates engaged in a two-hour discussion in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during which they collectively argued for the creation of two permanent seats for African nations on the United Nations Security Council, arguing that this would ensure better representation for a continent with the youngest demographics.

Mr Odinga said that two permanent seats with veto power were essential for Africa, arguing that it was a question of fairness given that the continent has more than 50 nations.

Mr Randriamandrato called on Member States to unite and present a coherent front in the selection of Africa’s representatives on the UN Security Council.

Despite a youthful population of 1.3 billion that is expected to double by 2050, regional trade continues to face significant obstacles, which were addressed during the debate.

Mr Odinga stressed that Africa has a large domestic market that can be harnessed for economic transformation by promoting trade opportunities between African nations.

Mr Youssouf presented a proposal for a payment clearing system to prevent countries from incurring losses when transacting in different currencies, asking: ‘Why not consider a single currency?’

Mr Randriamandrato stressed the vital role of regional economic blocs, such as the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, in facilitating trade on the continent.

Keep Reading

• Alarming Fears Rise as Mystery Disease Kills 143 in Southwest Congo
• Over 150 Miners Rescued in South African Illegal Mining Operation
• Vaginal Ring Approved in Kenya to Curb HIV Infections Among Women

The African Union has put forward a number of proposals to reform its structure and leadership in order to better fulfil its mission, and all candidates have pledged to implement these changes if elected.

Dr Youssouf pointed out that key reforms within the Union are currently hampered by funding problems, stating that ‘this situation must change’ and that he would not impose solutions on Member States, but would ‘advocate on their behalf’.