The African Union has appointed former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to lead its Election Observation Mission to the Republic of the Congo ahead of the country’s upcoming presidential elections.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, March 10, the Office of the former President announced that the continental body has selected Mr Akufo-Addo to head the mission, which will observe the conduct of the elections scheduled for March 15, 2026.

According to the statement, the African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) will bring together representatives from several continental institutions and stakeholder groups.

These include members of the AU Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC), the Pan-African Parliament, the African Governance Platform, election management bodies, independent election experts, civil society organisations, and representatives of women’s and youth groups.

The mission is part of the African Union’s efforts to support credible and transparent electoral processes across the continent.

The statement further indicated that the former Ghanaian leader is expected to depart Accra on Friday, March 13, ahead of the elections and return to Ghana on March 18, 2026, after completing the assignment.

Mr Akufo-Addo’s appointment adds to the role frequently played by former African heads of state in supporting election observation missions across the continent.