Selma Haddadi

Selma Malika Haddadi (born 1978) is an Algerian diplomat and legal expert currently serving as the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission since February 15, 2025. ^[1] She succeeded Rwandan Monique Nsanzabaganwa in this role. ^[2]

Early Life and Education

Born in 1978, Haddadi pursued legal studies, equipping her with a strong foundation for her diplomatic career. ^[3]

Career

Haddadi's diplomatic career spans over two decades, during which she has held several key positions:

• Director General for Africa at Algeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (March 2023 - April 2024): In this role, she was instrumental in shaping Algeria's strategic partnerships across the African continent.
• Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Kenya and South Sudan (2019 - 2023): Haddadi served as Algeria's top diplomat in these nations, fostering bilateral relations and cooperation.
• Minister Counselor and Deputy Head of Mission at Algeria's Embassy in Ethiopia and the AU (2015 - 2019): She played a pivotal role in strengthening Algeria's engagement with the AU and Ethiopia.
• Head of the Sub-Directorate for Social Development (2013 - 2015): Within the General Directorate for Political Affairs and International Security at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, she coordinated Algeria's participation in global discussions on socio-political issues, including women's rights, youth empowerment, public health, and the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.
• Director of the Algerian Bureau for Refugees and Stateless Persons (2012 - 2013): Haddadi managed refugee affairs, underscoring her commitment to humanitarian issues.
• Counselor and Head of the Political Section at Algeria's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva: In this capacity, she contributed to high-level negotiations and global policymaking.

Election as Deputy Chairperson of the AU Commission

On February 15, 2025, Haddadi was elected as the Deputy Chairperson of the AU Commission during the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa. ^[4] Her election followed a competitive process, where she emerged victorious over candidates from Morocco, Libya, and Egypt. ^[5]

References

1. "Algerian diplomat Selma Haddadi elected as African Union Commission deputy chairperson". english.news.cn. Retrieved 2025-02-25.
2. شوية, محمد (2025-02-15). "Algeria Elected Vice-President of the African Union Commission". الشروق أونلاين (in Arabic). Retrieved 2025-02-25.
3. "H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, H.E. Ambassador Selma Malika Haddadi, and 4 Commissioners elected to leadership positions in the African Union Commission elections | African Union". au.int. Retrieved 2025-02-25.
4. "Algerian diplomat Selma Haddadi elected as African Union Commission deputy chairperson". The Star. 2025-02-16. Retrieved 2025-02-25.
5. "H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, H.E. Ambassador Selma Malika Haddadi, and 4 Commissioners elected to leadership positions in the African Union Commission elections | African Union". au.int. Retrieved 2025-02-25.