Morocco, currently presiding over the Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU), has officially put forward Latifa Akharbach as a candidate for the position of Vice-President of the AU Commission. The election is scheduled for February 15, 2025. This marks a historic first for Morocco, as the country has never before held an elected position within this key African institution.
Akharbach, who currently serves as President of Morocco’s High Authority for Audiovisual Communication (HACA), brings with her a formidable background in diplomacy and institutional leadership. Between 2007 and 2012, she was Morocco’s Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. Her diplomatic experience also includes serving as ambassador to both Bulgaria and Tunisia. Academically, she holds a journalism degree, a postgraduate diploma in information and communication sciences, and a doctorate awarded in 1988.
The election for the Vice-President of the AU Commission adheres to governance principles established in the AU’s 2016 reforms. These rules mandate regional rotation and gender parity. This year, the presidency of the Commission will go to a candidate from East Africa, while the vice-presidency is reserved for a North African woman. Akharbach faces competition from candidates representing Algeria, Egypt, and Libya.
Winning the position requires a two-thirds majority vote from the AU’s member states. Of the 54 members, 49 currently have voting rights. Therefore, the successful candidate needs at least 33 votes to secure the role. The situation remains fluid, with intense lobbying underway. Reports indicate that Algeria is rallying support from 17 states to block any opposing candidacy.
In addition to Akharbach’s bid, Morocco is pursuing another key position—the presidency of the AU’s Peace and Security Commission. Elections for that role are set to take place on February 12 and 13. These efforts reflect Morocco’s determination to enhance its leadership role within the AU, reinforcing its commitment to peace, security, and development across the continent.
Akharbach’s candidacy symbolizes an opportunity for Morocco to deepen its engagement in African decision-making processes. By advocating for structural reforms, gender equality, and inter-African cooperation, Morocco aims to shape a stronger, more unified continent.
