With our special correspondent in Addis Ababa, Florence Morice
The battle between Morocco and Algeria has already begun. It is played out around the post of first vice-presidentAfrican Union for this year 2023. This seat is traditionally attributed to the country that takes over the rotating presidency the following year.
Algeria declared itself a candidate first, followed a few days later by Morocco, decided not to leave the keys to the institution to its great rival. Since then, it’s been blocked. Result: the post of first vice-president, which was to be filled on Saturday, remained vacant.
From diplomatic sources, Mauritania was approached to apply and to unblock the situation. But Nouakchott preferred to decline rather than play the risky role of referee.
Last year already, the post of first vice-president had remained vacant, for lack of consensus. It was coveted by both Kenya and the Comoros. Eventually, Nairobi gave in. But in the background, there was already the rivalry between Morocco and Algeria, Algiers having aroused Kenya’s candidacy at the last minute to prevent the Comoros, considered close to the Cherifian kingdom, from accessing the presidency of the organization. .
► Also to discover: From the OAU to the African Union: history and institutions [webdoc]