The Commonwealth is coming to Africa

 

The post of Commonwealth Secretary General is definitely coming to Africa, after 3 of the contests confirmed so far are all from Africa. It is an opportunity for Africa to head the 56 member states body in the interest of Africa development, peace and security. Who ever wins will succeed Rt Hon. Patricia Scotland KC (From UK) at a selection process by Commonwealth Heads of state in Samoa in October2024.

The contestants are; The Hon Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, currently Minister for Foreign Affairs and regional integration,(Ghana); Josua Phoho Setipa, Former minister of Trade and Industry, and former UN MD for Technology Bank, (Lesotho); and H.E. Mamadou Tangara, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International cooperation & Gambians Abroad, (Gambia).

I was privileged to have been invited by Chatham House were the 3 were pitching their candidature today 11 September 2024.

Honest Opinion:

Having listened to all 3, I can confirm that there is a tough fight ahead but the winner is likely to go to West Africa between H.E. mamadou(likely) and The Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey (Second  likely). Our Southern African candidate from Lesotho, struggled with diplomatic substance, he needs a geopolitical strategist to advise him fast before he gets a technical knockout. I also believe that he was unfairly presented with no credentials on his profile, I had to dig it myself after the pitch has been closed. It was his name and a title “Candidate Commonwealth”, while all the other candidates had their profiles advertised.

Elliot Pfebve is an Academic, PR & Lobbyist register based in UK.