Algeria is tightening its grip on the African Union Commission through its vice-president, Selma Malika Haddadi, according to a report by Africa Intelligence published on 3 November.
Elected in February 2025 as AU Commission vice-president in charge of finance and human resources, Haddadi is already positioning herself for the presidency in 2029, when the post is expected to return to North Africa.
Relations between her office and that of Commission President Mahamoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti are described as highly tense.
Africa Intelligence reports that Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf has placed several diplomats paid by Algiers at Haddadi’s disposal. Her cabinet now numbers around 20 members, including six Algerians, and is larger than the president’s own team.
Critics say this arrangement raises questions about whether these officials serve the continental interest or Algeria’s national agenda.
The latest flashpoint concerns the appointment of an Algerian, Tayeb Toufik Dahar, as director of human resources, a key post controlling recruitment and promotions across the Commission.
Commission President Youssouf was reportedly forced to endorse the nomination in late October, despite procedural irregularities.
Algeria’s ambassador to Ethiopia had earlier pressed for greater “balance” between Algerian and Moroccan nationals in senior AU posts, following the appointment of former Moroccan diplomat Fathallah Sijilmassi as the AU’s special envoy to the G20.
Analysts note that Algiers is leveraging its financial contributions to secure influence inside the institution after failing to regain a seat on the Peace and Security Council earlier this year.
