An Algerian Vice President of the African Union Commission… A False Victory for an Administrative Position: The Algerian Media Machine Sells an Illusion

ALDAR / Analysis

The election for the position of Vice President of the African Union Commission concluded after six rounds of intense competition, with the margins between candidates often not exceeding two to four votes. Although Algeria announced the victory of its candidate, the reality reveals that this success does not reflect the true balance of power within the African Union or Morocco’s geopolitical weight on the continent.

One of the key factors that influenced the election results was the absence of six African countries allied with Morocco: Gabon, Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, Guinea, and Sudan. These nations, traditionally Morocco’s partners within the African Union, were not allowed to vote due to their membership being suspended for administrative and organizational reasons. Consequently, the announced results occurred in an exceptional context that does not accurately represent the real political dynamics within the continental organization.

The election process showed that the Moroccan candidate clearly outperformed her competitors, particularly the Algerian candidate, both in terms of academic and professional background and in the clarity and credibility of her vision presented to African leaders. These differences have led many observers to question whether political factors and external pressures, rather than competence, ultimately determined the outcome.

Despite the pressures and challenges Morocco faced in this election, its presence within the African Union structures remains strong. The Kingdom retains a key position within the African Commission, with Fathallah Sijilmassi holding the role of Director General, the third-highest position in the organization. Furthermore, the election of Djibouti’s Ali Mahmoud Yusuf, who was supported by Morocco and its allies, as the President of the Commission reflects Rabat’s continued influence in African decision-making. Djibouti is a country that supports Morocco’s territorial integrity and has previously opened a consulate in the city of Dakhla.

Although Algerian media is attempting to portray this victory as a major diplomatic achievement, the position of Vice President of the African Commission remains largely administrative rather than political. It is not comparable to the role of the Commission’s President, who is the primary decision-maker within the Union. Therefore, Algeria’s celebration of this win seems exaggerated, given the limited influence of the position on African policy.

What happened in this election cannot be considered a shift in the balance of power within the African Union. Rather, it is a temporary outcome in which Algeria took advantage of the absence of six countries that could have altered the equation. As for Morocco, it will remain a key player on the continent due to its well-established diplomatic strategy, influential presence within the African Union’s institutions, and strong alliances that reflect its true geopolitical significance.