The Chadian Foreign Minister Hon. Moussa Faki Mahamat has been elected incoming Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission by AU heads of State and Government, who form the Assembly of the African Union.
Ghana’s Ambassador Thomas Kwesi Quartey was elected Deputy Chairperson.
Mahamat assumed AU’ top post after an election held Monday by AU heads of State and Government, who form the Assembly of the African Union in Addis Ababa.
The 56-year old diplomat won the election beating his closest rival Kenyan Foreign Minister, Amina Mohamed, after Heads of state from the 54-member states cast their votes in a private ballot.
Potential candidates need to sweep at least two-thirds which is equivalent to 36 votes to win the top position. Moussa’s win came after seven rounds of voting, as he secured the support of 39 votes.
Monday’s election was supposed to take place in July last year but the AU had to postpone it as candidates failed to garner the required number of votes.
The Chadian candidate had the support of West, Central and Northern Africa regions which comprise Francophone and Arab countries and some eastern Africa countries.
