The recent election for the Vice-Presidency of the African Union Commission (AUC) has sparked debate, particularly following Algeria’s victory, which has drawn mixed reactions across the continent.

Selma Malika Haddadi, Algeria’s ambassador to Addis Ababa and permanent representative to the African Union, secured the position after a fiercely contested election that extended to six rounds.

Vote margins fluctuated from ties to slim differences of two to four votes. In the final round, Haddadi remained the sole candidate and needed to secure a two-thirds majority to claim victory.

While Algerian media and officials hailed the outcome as a major diplomatic success, some observers have questioned the integrity of the process, citing possible financial and diplomatic manoeuvring.

Many noted that Morocco’s candidate, Latifa Akherbach, presented a strong vision and credentials, gaining widespread recognition for her campaign.

Despite this result, Morocco maintains a significant presence within the AU Commission.

Diplomat Fathallah Sijilmassi holds the influential role of Director General of the AU, effectively making him the third-highest-ranking official within the Commission.

Additionally, the presidency of the AUC was decisively won by Djiboutian Foreign Minister Ali Mahmoud Youssef.

Djibouti has openly expressed support for Morocco’s territorial integrity and has reinforced diplomatic ties by opening a Consulate General in Dakhla.

While the Vice-Presidency remains an administrative role, lacking the political influence of the Commission’s presidency, the election’s outcome has nonetheless fueled discussions about the AU’s internal dynamics and power balance.