Suzi Barbosa Runs for President of the AU.

Suzi Barbosa, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guinea-Bissau, is launching her candidacy for the presidency of the African Union Commission (UA), launching at a crucial moment for the African continent. This decision transcends the personal scope, representing broader aspirations and a commitment to the African cause.

With a solid career that includes conflict mediation Suzi Barbosa, highlights the ability of Guinea-Bissau, a Portuguese-speaking country, to lead the AU. However, his candidacy comes amid a competitive race by other leaders seeking more influence in Africa and at a delicate time with several coups d'état on the continent.

His candidacy is not only an African issue, but also an international one, with countries such as Portugal and Brazil playing important roles in diplomatic support. Africa's future depends on economic development, political stability and international cooperation, and Suzi Barbosa aims to represent a significant voice in this process.

Suzi Barbosa's Motivation

Suzi Barbosa, after years of service as Guinea-Bissau's Minister of Foreign Affairs, focused on the country's international engagements, mediation and Guinea-Bissau's presidency of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

With this candidacy, Suzi Barbosa is looking for other challenges and the opportunity to show that a country like Guinea-Bissau has great potential.

“Now is the time to invest at an international level and also to show that Guinea-Bissau, despite being a small country, has the capacity to lead an organization as complex as the AU”, he stated.

The support of Portuguese-speaking African countries is crucial for Suzi Barbosa's candidacy. The president of Guinea-Bissau has already demonstrated his support and diplomatic skills, which could benefit the candidacy. Guinea-Bissau, under the leadership of President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, increased its international presence, further strengthening its candidacy.

President Sissoco Embaló has influence not only in Portuguese-speaking countries, but also in French-speaking countries and throughout the African continent. His diplomatic skills and network of contacts play an essential role in promoting Guinea-Bissau's candidacy for the presidency of the AU Commission.

Improving the Image of Guinea-Bissau

The improvement of Guinea-Bissau's institutional image, including successful legislative elections and cooperation between different political parties, is a decisive factor for Suzi Barbosa's candidacy. Political stability and the desire to promote development are key points that strengthen Guinea-Bissau's position in the search for the presidency of the Commission.

The influence of global powers in Africa can have a significant impact. It is essential that these powers contribute to the development and stability of the continent, instead of destabilizing it in search of natural resources. Diplomacy and cooperation are essential to ensuring a positive future for Africa.

The coups d'état

The recent succession of coups d'état in African countries, such as Mali and Burkina Faso and more recently Niger and Gabon, raises concerns about political stability on the continent. Suzi Barbosa highlights the importance of addressing underlying causes, such as social and military injustices, to prevent future Coups d'Etat and promote political stability.

Political stability is crucial for economic development in Africa. Coups d'état and instability undermine social peace and economic growth. Creating wealth through agricultural development and job creation is a practical solution to addressing the causes of instability.

International Cooperation

International cooperation plays a vital role in Africa. The global community must support the economic growth and stability of African countries without harmful interference. The war in Ukraine, for example, affects food security in Africa, highlighting the interconnectedness of global issues.

The war in Ukraine directly affects Africa, increasing food prices and having a strong impact on food security. The rising cost of living in African countries, such as Sierra Leone, raises concerns and highlights the need to diversify agriculture and promote local food production.

Suzi Barbosa's experience in Portugal and Europe, where she studied International Relations, enriches her perspective. She emphasizes that African democracies must be adapted to local realities and not necessarily copied from foreign models. Knowing different cultures and understanding local needs can be a valuable advantage in UA leadership.

Global powers have significant interests in Africa due to the continent's vast natural resources. It is critical that these interests are directed toward supporting development and stability in Africa, without destabilizing African nations.

The Future of Africa

Africa's future depends on economic development, political stability and international cooperation. Representation, social justice and the peaceful resolution of conflicts are key elements to building a more prosperous and united continent.

It is essential that Africa faces its challenges and seizes its opportunities, working together with the global community to build a brighter and more stable future.

The fair distribution of wealth and economic growth are essential for the future of the continent and, despite the challenges, Africa has success stories, such as those in Cape Verde and Rwanda, which demonstrate that economic development and stability are achievable.

Suzi Barbosa highlights the importance of female representation in African politics and the need to give a voice to a female majority that exists on the African continent.

“We, women, have this capacity, we have this gift of uniting and we are less warlike.”

“I think we can have more sensitive management that looks more at the African reality, whose composition is mostly female”.

An International Issue

Suzi Barbosa's candidacy for the presidency of the AU Commission is not only an African issue, but also an international one. Countries like Portugal and Brazil can play an important role in diplomatic support for the candidacy, benefiting Lusophony and promoting stability in Africa.

The peaceful resolution of conflicts is essential for stability in Africa, and leaders like Barbosa play a fundamental role in this process and Suzi Barbosa's experience in mediating crises, such as in Burkina Faso, is fundamental.

Democracy is another fundamental aspect of political stability in Africa. Coups d'état are not the solution and the population must respect democratic processes and the choices made at the polls. Several African organizations, such as ECOWAS, are committed to supporting the constitutional order in Africa and implementing solutions for democratic stability on the continent.

Conclusion

Suzi Barbosa's candidacy for the presidency of the African Union Commission aims to promote stability and representation on the continent, but faces challenges related to political influence in Africa. On the other hand, it represents an effort to strengthen leadership and stability on the continent.

Its emphasis on diplomacy, stability and international cooperation highlights the importance of the multifaceted approach to African development and the complexity of political dynamics on the continent. Its approach focused on stability, diplomacy and international cooperation emphasizes the need for comprehensive solutions to address African challenges.

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See also:

Guinea-Bissau, requested election observers

Picture: © DR