{UAH} Moment of truth for Amina as AU holds vote

Moment of truth for Amina as AU holds vote

SHARE BOOKMARKPRINTRATING

Foreign Affairs secretary Amina Mohammed. PHOTO | FILE 

By BRIAN NGUGI

Posted  Sunday, January 29   2017 at  15:28

Representatives from African countries will Monday afternoon pick the next chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, as Kenya waits to know the fate of its candidate in the crucial polls. 

Foreign Affairs secretary Amina Mohamed, on her final day of pitching her candidature for the top post, reiterated amid intensive last minute lobbying that her experience at the helm of regional bodies made her the right pick for the position.

She is competing against candidates from Botswana, Chad, Equatorial Guinea and Senegal for the AUC job.  They are Botswana's Foreign minister Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi, Chad's Foreign minister Moussa Faki Mahamat as well as Equatorial Guinea's Foreign minister Agapito Mba Mokuy.

Senegal's Bathily Abdoulaye, who is the special UN envoy for Central Africa, is also in the race.

State House has exuded confidence that Ms Mohamed will head the continental body's post.

The winner will replace South Africa's Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma who has occupied the seat since July 15, 2012.

President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy, William Ruto, have been on a charm offensive in recent days, seeking support for Ms Mohamed.

Mr Kenyatta arrived in Ethiopia on Saturday for the 28th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly ahead of today's polls.

--

Gwokto La'Kitgum

----------------------------------------------------------------

"Even a small dog can piss on a tall building" Jim Hightower

--
Disclaimer:Everyone posting to this Forum bears the sole responsibility for any legal consequences of his or her postings, and hence statements and facts must be presented responsibly. Your continued membership signifies that you agree to this disclaimer and pledge to abide by our Rules and Guidelines.To unsubscribe from this group, send email to: ugandans-at-heart+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com