Algeria’s Selma Malika Haddadi Elected Vice President Of The African Union Commission

By Jamila Kemigisa

Algeria’s Selma Malika Haddadi, the country’s Ambassador to Addis Ababa and Permanent Representative to the African Union (AU), has been elected Vice President of the AU Commission.

Haddadi takes over the position from Rwanda’s Monique Nsanzabaganwa, whose tenure has ended. In her election campaign, Haddadi emphasized the need for a refreshed and more streamlined approach to the AU Commission’s operations. She expressed a clear intention to bring vitality and efficiency to the organization, in line with the AU’s bold vision for “The Africa We Want.”

Haddadi’s strategic priorities for her new role are focused on three main areas: optimizing the AU Commission’s administrative and financial management, fostering greater collaboration and trust between the Commission and AU member states, and enhancing coordination among AU institutions while strengthening partnerships with international players.

As Vice President, Haddadi will support the AU Commission’s Chairperson in overseeing the organization’s day-to-day operations, particularly in managing administrative and financial affairs. She will also be called upon to step into the Chairperson’s role during their absence, ensuring the organization’s stability and leadership continuity.

Her election highlights Algeria’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its position within African institutions and advancing collective African interests. Haddadi’s leadership is expected to focus on improving institutional efficiency, ensuring financial accountability, and promoting deeper cooperation among AU member states to tackle Africa’s most urgent challenges.

In the midst of this transition, Djiboutian diplomat Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has been appointed Chairperson of the AU Commission. The pairing of Haddadi and Youssouf signals a new chapter for the organization, one that will be marked by navigating complex political, economic, and security challenges while asserting Africa’s priorities on the global stage.

Haddadi’s election underscores Algeria’s dedication to driving Pan-African governance, establishing the country as a key player in shaping the AU’s trajectory and the future of the continent.