Selma Malika Haddadi: A Torchbearer of Algeria’s Legacy on the Continental Stage

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | February 17th, 2025 — The election of Selma Malika Haddadi to the vice-presidency of the African Union Commission marks not only a personal triumph but a resounding affirmation of Algeria’s unwavering commitment to continental leadership, justice, and peace. It is a victory steeped in the historical struggles of Algerian women—those who have long stood at the vanguard of national liberation, democratic consolidation, and the relentless pursuit of sovereignty for oppressed peoples across the globe. In this regard, Haddadi emerges as the modern embodiment of her illustrious predecessors, following in the footsteps of Lalla Fadhma N’Soumer, Hassiba Ben Bouali, Djamila Bouhired, and Djamila Boupacha—women who defied the yoke of colonial subjugation and inscribed their names in the annals of resistance.

The price paid by Algerian women for the nation’s freedom was immense. The blood of over 5.6 million martyrs soaked the soil in an ultimate sacrifice for sovereignty. Yet, their struggle did not end with independence. In 1989, Algerian women stood at the forefront of the movement for multiparty democracy, demanding an end to single-party rule and the consecration of fundamental freedoms. Throughout the 1990s, they were an unyielding bulwark against the terror that sought to drag the nation into the abyss of extremism. More recently, their resolute presence in the mass mobilizations of March 8, 2019, played a defining role in shaping the New Algeria, ultimately leading to crucial constitutional amendments.

Algerian women have consistently functioned as the moral compass of the nation—restoring equilibrium when society strays, illuminating the path forward when darkness threatens. And today, in Selma Malika Haddadi, they have found a formidable standard-bearer.

A seasoned diplomat with an illustrious career spanning over two decades, Haddadi’s credentials are unparalleled. At 47, she has amassed extensive experience in promoting peace and unity across Africa. Her trajectory has seen her occupy key positions of influence: she served as Director-General for Africa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from March 2023 to April 2024; she was Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Kenya and South Sudan between 2019 and 2023; from 2015 to 2019, she held the post of Minister-Counsellor and Deputy Chief of Mission at the Algerian Embassy in Ethiopia and the African Union. Prior to that, she was the Deputy Director of Social Development within the Directorate General for Political and International Security Affairs from 2013 to 2015.

Her ascension to the vice-presidency of the African Union Commission is a testament to Algeria’s strategic influence within the organization. Upon her election, Haddadi articulated her vision with unwavering resolve: “This is an achievement for Algeria, made possible under the enlightened leadership of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.” She expressed deep gratitude to the President of the Republic and to the Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the National Community Abroad, and African Affairs, pledging to be a steadfast representative of Algeria within the African Union.

Algeria’s imprint on pan-African institutions has been indelible—from the Organization of African Unity (OAU) to its successor, the African Union (AU). Haddadi underscored her commitment to upholding this legacy: “Algeria has always played a leading role within the OAU and now the AU. We will continue to elevate its name and its flag, ensuring its voice remains a beacon for justice and peace.”

Her words reverberate with the solemn vow of the National Liberation Front, the oath sworn by moudjahidate and moudjahidine who fell in battle, their memory enshrined in the collective conscience of the nation. The torch they carried has been passed down, and in Selma Malika Haddadi, it burns with renewed brilliance—illuminating Algeria’s unwavering march towards unity, sovereignty, and a just world order.

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