Former Somalia Foreign Minister Fawzia Yusuf Adam has declared her candidacy for the position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC).

This follows weeks of speculation after Somalia’s Information Ministry hinted at her candidature.

The AUC election, scheduled for February 2025, is set to determine Mousa Faki’s successor as the commission's chairperson.

Expressing gratitude for the endorsement of her candidacy by President Hassan Mohamud and the Federal Government of Somalia, Adam affirmed her commitment to representing Somalia’s interests on the African continent’s highest decision-making body.

“I am happy that I am Somalia’s candidate for the African Union presidency. I would like to thank President Hassan Mohamud and the Federal Government of Somalia for their full support and encouragement,” she said.

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Adam previously served as Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister from November 2012 to January 2014, making her the first woman from Somalia to be nominated for this prestigious position.

Somalia, a founding member of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, has historically not held prominent positions within the AU, making Adam’s candidacy a significant milestone for the country.

Kenya's Raila Odinga joins the race alongside Adam, who has been actively lobbying for the AUC Chairmanship.

In the upcoming election, a candidate must secure two-thirds of the votes to clinch the position of Chairperson.

The AUC, serving as the Secretariat of the Union, is tasked with executing executive functions and comprises ten officials, including a Chairperson, a Deputy Chairperson, and eight Commissioners, alongside staff members.