African Union holds historic first ever debate for chairperson candidates

Five candidates vying to replace Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma as the chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission faced off in a live television debate broadcast across the continent on Friday (December 9).

AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, was the venue where the five contestants – Amina Mohamed of Kenya, Abdoulaye Bathily of Senegal, Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi of Botswana, Moussa Faki Mahamat of Chad and Agapito Mba Mokuy of Equatorial Guinea – are aiming to be elected in January to replace South Africa’s Dlamini-Zuma who will be bowing out that month.

The AU was using a livestream to popularise the African Union and give candidates an opportunity to speak to Africans and present their vision of an integrated, prosperous and peaceful continent.

The live audience comprised members of the African Union Executive Council, African Union Commissioners, members of Permanent Representatives Committee, invited guests and journalists.