Former African Union Commission (AUC) Deputy Chairperson Erastus Mwencha has criticised the African Union’s leadership selection process, arguing that regional power struggles weaken the institution.

During an interview on Spice FM on Monday, February 24, Mwencha said African nations prioritise regional representation over merit, leading to unqualified candidates assuming key positions.

“There is a quest that I must have my person occupying that position, not for the good of the institution but because it is my turn,” said Mwencha.

“One of the things that disappointed me in the last election was this rotation practice. East Africa, North Africa, Southern Africa—you are balkanising the continent. Get the best out of the continent.”

Mwencha was elected to the AUC position on February 6, 2008.

He observed that similar challenges exist in regional economic communities, where leadership positions are rotated among member states rather than awarded based on qualifications.

 According to Mwencha, this weakens institutions and prevents Africa from realising its full potential.

He noted that African countries often prioritise national interests over collective strength, undermining efforts to build economic and political unity.

“Countries tend to project their own strength, forgetting that if you put three sticks together, they are stronger than one,” noted Mwencha.

Mwencha explained that Africa’s vulnerability to external influence stems from its failure to integrate and prioritise intra-continental trade.

“If Africa starts to trade within itself, establishes a common external tariff, and protects itself under an ‘Africa First’ approach, it will become much stronger,” he said.

 “But we are so easy to penetrate and infiltrate, and we succumb to the tokens given in the form of aid or threats, keeping us weak and disunited.”

Despite the challenges, Mwencha expressed optimism about the future of African integration.

 “I see a new wave coming. In the 1980s and 1990s, integration lost momentum, especially after the Cold War, but that momentum is picking up again,” he said.

He observed that Kenya has been a strong proponent of regional integration, playing an active role in continental economic and political blocs.

“Despite a few missteps, Kenya has been very good at adhering to regional and continental integration programmes,” he added.

 “Kenya participates effectively in regional integration and serves as a gateway to several countries.”