Algeria Secures a Diplomatic Triumph: Selma Malika Haddadi Elected Vice President of the African Union Commission

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | February 15th, 2025 — In a resounding triumph for Algerian diplomacy, Selma Malika Haddadi, Algeria’s ambassador to Addis Ababa and permanent representative to the African Union (AU), has been elected Vice President of the AU Commission. The election, held on Saturday, marks a milestone in Algeria’s strategic influence within the continental organization and reaffirms its commitment to Pan-African cooperation and governance.

Haddadi ascended to this position after a rigorous electoral process that saw her outmaneuver strong competitors. The Rwandan incumbent, Monique Nsanzabaganwa, concluded her term, paving the way for a highly contested race. Haddadi ultimately secured victory by surpassing the Moroccan candidate, who was eliminated in the penultimate sixth round, following the earlier withdrawals of the Libyan and Egyptian candidates in the first and third rounds, respectively.

A Seasoned Diplomat with a Legacy of Service

At 47, Haddadi is recognized as a seasoned diplomat with over two decades of experience advocating for Africa’s unity, stability, and development. Between March 2023 and April 2024, she served as Director General for Africa at Algeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, playing a key role in shaping Algeria’s strategic partnerships across the continent. Prior to this, from 2019 to 2023, she was Algeria’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Kenya and South Sudan.

Her extensive career also includes serving as Minister Counselor and Deputy Head of Mission at Algeria’s embassy in Ethiopia and the AU from 2015 to 2019. From 2013 to 2015, she led the Sub-Directorate for Social Development within the General Directorate for Political Affairs and International Security at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In this capacity, she coordinated Algeria’s participation in global discussions on crucial socio-political issues, including women’s rights, youth empowerment, public health, and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Her leadership in directing the Algerian Bureau for Refugees and Stateless Persons from 2012 to 2013 further solidified her reputation as a dedicated advocate for humanitarian issues.

On the international stage, Haddadi played a pivotal role as Counselor and Head of the Political Section at Algeria’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva, where she contributed to high-level negotiations and global policymaking.

A Vision for Reform and Pan-African Unity

Haddadi’s election campaign was anchored in a bold vision for a more effective, transparent, and accountable AU Commission. She pledged to realign the Commission’s priorities with the foundational objectives of the AU’s forefathers, ensuring that the organization remains a catalyst for Africa’s self-reliance and sustainable development.

Among her key commitments is the reinforcement of the AU’s administrative and financial management to instill a culture of efficiency and accountability at all institutional levels. She has also vowed to strengthen trust and synergy between the Commission and AU member states, fostering deeper cooperation and unity across the continent.

To achieve the AU’s long-standing goal of self-sufficiency in implementing its strategic programs, as outlined in Agenda 2063, Haddadi emphasized the need to prioritize and revitalize partnerships with African financial institutions such as the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), and the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD). These institutions, she affirmed, are key to securing sustainable funding and accelerating Africa’s economic growth.

Algeria’s Growing Influence in the African Union

Haddadi’s victory signals a major diplomatic win for Algeria, underscoring its rising influence within African multilateral institutions. Her election reflects Algeria’s ongoing efforts to assert itself as a regional powerhouse committed to the principles of Pan-Africanism, economic sovereignty, and institutional reform within the AU.

This leadership change also coincides with the election of Djiboutian diplomat Mahmoud Ali Youssouf as the new Chairperson of the AU Commission, setting the stage for a new era of governance within the organization. Together, Haddadi and Youssouf are expected to navigate the Commission through pressing continental challenges, ranging from economic integration and security to climate resilience and global advocacy.

 

 

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