The African Union (AU) has announced a televised debate for Friday at its headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Kenya’s candidate for the AU Chairperson position, Raila Odinga, will face off against Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and Richard Randriamandrato from Madagascar. This debate, titled ‘Mjadala Afrika,’ aims to highlight each candidate’s vision for Africa’s integrated, prosperous, and peaceful future. It will be broadcast live across the continent in six AU languages.
The debate will be attended by AU Executive Council members, Permanent Representatives Committee members, AU Commissioners, media representatives, and guests. Starting at 7:00 pm Eastern Africa Time (EAT), the debate will provide a platform for candidates to discuss policy solutions and their plans for advancing the AU’s Agenda 2063 and other continental initiatives. The AUC has invited the public to submit questions via social media, which will be relayed to the candidates during the debate. Raila Odinga, who has been intensifying his shuttle diplomacy efforts across Africa, is focusing on his extensive experience in regional integration and democratic reforms as crucial to his campaign.
This debate is not just a platform for candidates; it represents an important moment for democratic engagement in Africa. The debate will be moderated by a bilingual panel (one English-speaking and one French-speaking moderator) to ensure that the discussion is accessible to the widest possible audience. It will feature questions from a panel of experts on subjects such as governance, economic development, security, and continental unity, reflecting the complex challenges facing Africa today. The Mjadala Afrika debate will also include interactions with online participants, allowing viewers from across the continent to engage directly with the candidates, making the debate a truly continental affair.
In a unique step to foster transparency and accountability, the AU has ensured that the debate will be broadcast live on all 55 AU member states’ public broadcasters. The live stream will also be accessible on the AU’s website in all six languages, and the Union’s YouTube, Facebook, and X channels will carry the debate in the floor language with a link back to the website for those who wish to listen in any of the 6 official languages. This comprehensive broadcasting strategy aims to engage the widest possible audience, promoting inclusive participation in the debate.
The Mjadala Afrika debate will play a crucial role in shaping the narrative around the AU Commission and its impact on the lives of millions across Africa. This is a significant opportunity for candidates to demonstrate their vision and leadership for the continent’s future. As the debate date approaches, anticipation continues to grow, reflecting the importance of this moment for Africa’s political landscape. This debate will not only inform the African populace about the candidates’ policy proposals but also inspire a continent-wide dialogue on how best to address Africa’s development challenges.
The Mjadala Afrika debate is a vital democratic exercise, providing a platform for candidates to articulate their views on key issues affecting the AU’s direction under Agenda 2063. The event will attract significant media attention, with live broadcasts enabling citizens across the continent to tune in and engage with the discussions. This openness is vital for fostering a well-informed citizenry and promoting accountability. As candidates prepare to present their visions, the debate will be a crucial moment in the race for the Chairperson of the African Union Commission.
