The 2024 edition of the Mjadala Afrika Debate is set to be a landmark event in the lead-up to the election of the new Chairperson of the African Union Commission. The term of the current Commission comes to an end in February 2025.

Scheduled for 13 December 2024, at the African Union (AU) headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, this debate will provide a vital platform for candidates to discuss their visions and proposals for addressing the continent's most pressing challenges, guided by the continental development framework, Agenda 2063.

Mjadala Afrika, which translates to "African Debate” in Swahili, aims to engage the candidates vying for the position of the AUC Chairperson, in a meaningful dialogue about the future direction and work of the African Union. These discussions are particularly relevant as Africa seeks to navigate a rapidly changing global landscape.

The debate will feature a panel of candidates who will respond to questions posed by two moderators (one English and one French speaking). They will also answer a few questions from online participants of the debate. This interactive format is designed to encourage transparency and foster direct engagement between candidates and the African people. Each candidate will have the opportunity to present their vision and elaborate on their policy proposals.

To ensure that all African citizens can watch the proceedings, the Information and Communication Directorate (ICD) of the AU as part of the organizing committee of the Mjadala Afrika debate, has made arrangements for all the public broadcasters of the 55 AU member state to carry the live broadcast from 16:00 to 18:00 GMT. The debate will also be available on the AU’s website in all six languages. The Union’s YouTube, Facebook and X channels will carry the debate in the floor language but a link back to the website will be available for those who wish to listen in any one of the 6 official languages. A number of private broadcasters will also beam the debate live.

On behalf of the AU Commission, the ICD is encouraging public participation through watching on the various channels and sending questions during the debate, some of which will be put to the candidates, using the X platform @_AfricanUnion, ensuring that the debate addresses the concerns and aspirations of the African populace.

Social media campaigns have also been launched to amplify the conversation and raise awareness of the event. (More information on the Mjadala Afrika Debate is available at elections https://au.int/en/auc-leadership-elections. For information on the candidates see https://au.int/en/AUC_Elections_2025_Candidates.

The Mjadala Afrika debate is not just a platform for candidates; it represents an important moment for democratic engagement in Africa. Given that the mandate of the current leadership of the AU Commission, under the outgoing Chairperson, H.E Moussa Faki Mahamat, is soon coming to an end, the upcoming elections for the new Chairperson of the AUC is expected to take place in February 2025, during the next annual summit of the of Heads of State and Government of the AU.

This debate, therefore, will play a crucial role in informing the African people on the policy and priorities of the candidates. The event will attract significant media attention, with live broadcasts enabling citizens across the continent to tune in and engage with the discussions. This openness is vital for fostering a well-informed citizenry and promoting accountability.

As the debate date approaches, anticipation for the Mjadala Afrika AU Commission Debate continues to grow. Candidates will be preparing to articulate their visions and respond to the diverse questions to be put to them.

It is worth noting that, Mjadala Afrika 2024 edition epitomizes the spirit of democratic engagement in Africa. It is an opportunity for candidates to showcase their leadership capabilities and inspire hope for a brighter future for the continent. As the debate unfolds, it will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the narrative around the AU Commission and its impact on the lives of millions across Africa.

N:B The debate, will be televised live throughout the continent and streamed globally, on 13th December 2024 from the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 19:00 to 21:00 hours East African Time (EAT), or 1600 to 1800 GMT. Simultaneous interpretation of the debate will be done in all the six (06) working languages of the Union. It will give the candidates an opportunity to speak to all African citizens and present their personal vision for the fulfilment of an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa under Agenda 2063.

Media Contacts and facilitation of interviews:

Mrs. Esther Azaa Tankou | Head, Media and Information Division | Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission and Communication Adviser, AU Permanent Observer Mission to the UN | Mobile: +1 (347) 812-7195 / WhatsApp: +251911361185 | E-mail: yamboue@africa-union.org
Ms. Doreen Apollos | Information and Communication Directorate; African Union Commission | E-mail: ApollosD@africa-union.org
Mr. Molalet Tsedeke | Information and Communication Directorate; African Union Commission | E-mail: molalett@africa-union.org | Tel: +251 11 518 2014/ +251 11 5182518 | Mobile/WhatsApp: +251-911-630-631