Algeria’s veteran diplomat Selma Malika Haddadi has been elected as the new Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, marking a significant milestone in the organisation’s leadership reshuffle.
The election came during the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly of the Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where she will serve alongside the newly elected Chairperson, Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.
Haddadi, who currently serves as Algeria’s ambassador to Ethiopia, emerged victorious after defeating five other candidates from the Northern Africa region. In a closely contested election, she prevailed over her main challenger, Morocco’s Latifa Akharbach. She will serve for the 2025-2028 term, succeeding Rwanda’s Monique Nsanzabaganwa, who has held the position since March 2021. Nsanzabaganwa previously served as Rwanda’s Minister of Trade and Industry.
Her elevation to the role represents a notable achievement for North African representation in the continental body’s top leadership. Her election also strengthens the Francophone presence in the AU’s executive structure, alongside Chairperson Youssouf, who is known for his command of French, Arabic and English.
The new Deputy Chairperson brings considerable diplomatic experience to the role, having served in various capacities in Algeria’s foreign service. She will be instrumental in supporting the Commission’s mandate to drive Africa’s development agenda and address regional challenges.
The leadership duo of Youssouf and Haddadi secured strong backing from Islamic and Francophone African states during the election process, highlighting the significant influence of these blocs within the 55-member continental organisation.
Congratulatory messages have been pouring in from across the continent for the new leadership team. Among them, Kenya’s President William Ruto extended his support, stating: “To their Excellencies Mahmoud Youssouf and Selma Haddadi, the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the Africa Union Commission, I extend my sincere congratulations. You have the trust of the AU Assembly, and Kenya pledges her full support to you as you steer the African Union Commission to the next level.”
As Deputy Chairperson, Haddadi will help oversee the AU Commission’s work on key priorities including economic integration, peace and security, and institutional reform. She and Youssouf will succeed the outgoing leadership team led by Chad’s Moussa Faki Mahamat when they formally assume office in 2025.
