Algeria has significantly strengthened its presence within the African Union’s subsidiary bodies, securing leadership roles in several strategic institutions. The North African nation notably won the February 2025 race for the position of Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission. Fateh Boutbig, Algeria’s candidate, secured the role by a significant margin, receiving 19 votes. His opponent, Morocco’s former minister Lahcen Haddad, drew four votes in the election. These achievements are expected to intensify the ongoing competition between Algeria and Morocco for influence within the African Union. The recent electoral successes show a strategic push by Algeria to reassert its diplomatic weight on the continental stage.
Key Leadership Appointments
At the end of April, Algerian Council of the Nation member Fateh Boutbig secured the presidency of the Pan-African Parliament. This victory for Fateh Boutbig, who is a prominent figure in Algerian politics, marked a significant diplomatic achievement. Algeria also obtained a seat on the African Union Peace and Security Council for the 2025–2028 term, a move that places it at the heart of the continent's most critical decision-making processes regarding peace and stability. Ambassador Mohamed Khaled, Algeria’s Permanent Representative to the African Union, was elected chair of the Committee of Permanent Representatives responsible for human rights, democracy and governance, further cementing Algeria's influence in key policy areas.
Algeria secured positions on several other significant committees, demonstrating a broad and concerted effort to expand its footprint across various African Union organs. The nation was selected to sit on the Ministerial Committee on Candidatures within the international system, a body key for shaping the African Union's representation in global forums. It also joined the Ministerial Committee overseeing the implementation of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which outlines the continent's long-term development strategy. Algeria gained membership on the Committee of Permanent Representatives on environmental affairs, indicating its commitment to addressing climate change and environmental sustainability on a continental scale. The country was selected for the Specialized Technical Committee on Culture, Youth and Sport, fostering its engagement in social and cultural development initiatives. Additionally, Algeria was selected for the Specialized Technical Committee on Communications and Transport, noting its interest in infrastructure development and connectivity across Africa. Algeria also obtained a seat on the Continental Operations Centre for combating irregular migration, which is based in Khartoum, addressing a critical issue facing many African nations. Toufik Bougaada, a professor of political science and international relations at the University of Algiers 3, noted these strategic placements, emphasizing their importance for Algeria's regional standing.
Strategic and Diplomatic Gains
The presidency of the Pan-African Parliament is considered the second-highest post within the African Union, providing a powerful platform for legislative advocacy and oversight. The African Union Peace and Security Council, where Algeria secured a seat, is regarded as the continent’s most important body for conflict management, mediation, and political intervention. This council plays a key role in maintaining peace and security across the continent, making Algeria's presence here particularly impactful. Algeria’s leadership roles within African Union institutions provide it with a strategic position inside a highly influential continental organisation at a time of major global transformations, allowing it to shape policy and contribute to regional stability.
Toufik Bougaada, a professor of political science and international relations at the University of Algiers 3, stated that Algeria’s leadership of institutions or bodies within the African Union does not generate direct financial gains. However, Bougaada clarified that "it provides significant political, diplomatic and strategic benefits — the kind of advantages sought by countries pursuing carefully calculated geopolitical objectives." Holding these leadership positions within the African Union also provides Algeria with greater visibility among global partners, including the United Nations, the European Union, and the BRICS group, enhancing its international standing. Algeria’s institutional presence within the AU offers a stronger platform to promote approaches aligned with its vision for countering terrorism and organised crime in the Sahel region, a critical area for regional security. This enhanced platform allows Algeria to advocate for its specific security concerns and contribute to broader continental strategies.
Regional Rivalry and Context
Algeria now represents the North African region on the African Union Peace and Security Council, a position gained at the expense of Morocco. This comes as Algerian diplomat Selma Malika Haddadi defeated Morocco’s candidate Latifa Akherbach in the election for Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, further illustrating the competitive dynamic between the two nations. The 2025 election for the presidency of the African Union Commission is also a significant point of competition between Algeria and Morocco, indicating that the rivalry for continental influence is set to continue. Morocco rejoined the African Union in 2016, following a withdrawal that began in the 1980s, marking its return to active participation in the bloc's affairs. Algeria’s influence and relationships across Africa had reportedly weakened during the previous two decades due to domestic and political circumstances under the former president, making these recent gains a significant turnaround. The current diplomatic push signifies Algeria's renewed commitment to playing a central role in African affairs and challenging established power dynamics within the organization.