In an unprecedented race that brings together four candidates for the presidency of the African Union Commission (AUC), Richard Randriamandrato, a former Malagasy minister, positions himself as an unconventional contender.
Facing off against well-known rivals such as Kenyan Raila Odinga or Mauritian Anil Gayan, he plays the cards of innovation and pragmatism to stand out. His candidacy, though cautious, could bring surprises in the elections scheduled for February 2025.
An Unconventional Candidate
Unlike his rivals, Richard Randriamandrato does not have a traditional political background. He claims a pragmatic and flexible approach, with extensive experience in the private sector and NGOs. A former Minister of Economy and Finance, and later Minister of Foreign Affairs, he demonstrated his skills by negotiating with international institutions like the World Bank and the IMF. His career, marked by a controversial stance in 2022 against Russia’s annexation of Ukrainian territories, reflects his independent thinking.
An Ambitious Diplomatic Vision
Randriamandrato advocates for a more proactive and globally-focused African diplomacy. He aims to strengthen cooperation among African countries and elevate the African Union’s influence on the international stage. In his view, Agenda 2063, a major development project for the continent, should become a strategic priority and benefit from more concrete implementation. His campaign also subtly critiques the current functioning of the AUC, which has limited authority over member states.
Significant Obstacles to Overcome
Despite his ambitions, Randriamandrato faces strong competition. Kenya’s iconic political figure Raila Odinga is seen as the favorite, due to his notoriety and influential network. However, the Malagasy candidate relies on a sound strategy, reminding us that “a growing forest does not make noise.”
Additionally, he will have to persuade member states of the importance of reforming an institution that, at times, suffers from inefficiency. The challenge here will be to muster enough support to overcome regional and political divides.
A High-Stakes Election
This race for the presidency takes place within the context of the African Union’s efforts to strengthen its role in addressing economic, security, and climate challenges. The future President of the Commission will have to unite member states around a common vision while also bringing about tangible change. For Randriamandrato, this challenge could represent a unique opportunity to place Madagascar at the heart of continental decision-making.
