Theko Tlebere
The upcoming Commonwealth Secretary-General elections in Samoa this October hold immense significance for African nations, particularly for Lesotho in Southern Africa. This moment carries pivotal weight for Africa as it presents a crucial opportunity to unite and lend support to a single candidate. The purpose of this article is to elucidate why the entire continent should rally behind Lesotho’s candidate in this year’s election.
This collective action goes beyond mere strategic maneuvering; it serves as a potent manifestation of unity and shared responsibility, intimately tied to our African identity. By embracing the timeless principles of ubuntu, as advocated by the late Kwame Nkrumah, which emphasises interconnectedness and collective duty, we can effectively unite behind Joshua Phoho Setipa from Lesotho. Such unity will undoubtedly bolster our presence on the global stage, endowing us with significant influence.
Recently, there has been a significant development that has strengthened Setipa’s candidacy. On March 11, 2024, in Luanda, Angola, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Council of Ministers met to discuss the Kingdom of Lesotho’s request to endorse Mr. Joshua Setipa as a candidate for the position of Commonwealth Secretary-General. This crucial meeting resulted in a unanimous decision: the SADC Council of Ministers officially endorsed Mr. Joshua Setipa as the candidate from the SADC region. This endorsement serves as evidence of Setipa’s qualifications and the collective belief in his ability to lead the Commonwealth. Furthermore, this endorsement emphasizes the crucial importance of regional unity. The support from SADC, which represents a significant bloc within Africa, underscores the need for the entire continent to rally behind Setipa. With his extensive experience in international trade, economic policy, and multilateral diplomacy, Setipa is uniquely positioned to address the complex challenges currently facing the Commonwealth.
The role of Commonwealth Secretary-General is an esteemed and influential position, with the successful candidate serving a maximum of two terms of four years each. By making this decision at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), following the revised Agreed Memorandum on the Establishment and Functions of the Commonwealth Secretariat in 2022, Commonwealth leaders have the opportunity to showcase their commitment to diverse representation and inclusive democracy. Historically, only one African, Chief Emeka Anyaoku from Nigeria (West Africa), has held this esteemed position.
The current race sees two candidates from West Africa and one from Southern Africa, prompting calls for other regions of Africa, including East, Central, and Southern Africa, to have their chance at representation. Supporting Setipa is not just about regional rotation; it is about reinforcing the ideals of pan-African unity and solidarity that Nkrumah so passionately advocated. By rallying behind Setipa, African nations can demonstrate their determination to break the cycle of regional dominance and create a fair and equitable system for selecting the Commonwealth Secretary-General.
Setipa’s extensive political and administrative experience, spanning over 25 years, positions him as a formidable candidate. His career highlights include serving as the Minister of Trade and Industry in Lesotho and being the first Managing Director of the UN Technology Bank for Least Developed Countries, appointed by the UN Secretary-General in November 2018. Setipa’s credentials are not simply impressive; they demonstrate his profound understanding of global trade dynamics and the challenges faced by developing nations. He has successfully managed key stakeholder relationships with the private sector, governments, and development partners, thereby initiating positive transformations in international trade and economic policy. With his senior roles at the World Trade Organization, World Bank, and United Nations, Setipa has developed a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of these international organizations and the unique opportunities they provide for collaboration and progress. Furthermore, his current role at the Commonwealth Secretariat as the Senior Director for Strategy, Portfolio, Partnerships, and Digital Divisions where he is currently on a leave of absence further cements his familiarity with the organization’s inner workings.
The advocacy for a single African candidate aligns with the principle of regional rotation in the Commonwealth Secretary-General election. This principle not only emphasizes the importance of geographical diversity but also ensures that East, Central, and Southern Africa are given a fair and equal opportunity to lead. By promoting this principle, we are reinforcing the significance of a united African front in this election. This unity, rooted in the principles of ubuntu, which emphasize mutual aid and communal bonds, holds the promise of a stronger, more interconnected future for Africa and the broader Commonwealth.
Setipa’s vision for the Commonwealth is robust and forward-thinking. He not only aims to strengthen the organization to effectively confront global challenges such as climate change and post-pandemic recovery but also places great emphasis on economic growth, trade, and investment. Furthermore, his advocacy for the empowerment of human capital through education, health, and skill development programs showcases his comprehensive approach to leadership. In addition to this, his commitment to good governance, transparency, and innovation underscores his readiness to champion public sector reforms and combat corruption. Moreover, Setipa’s dedication to addressing climate change, supporting sustainable ocean governance, and leveraging Blue Economies reflects his forward-thinking approach. By integrating gender, youth, innovation, and artificial intelligence into the Commonwealth’s operations, Setipa ensures that inclusive, future-ready solutions are developed.
The call for African unity in presenting a single candidate not only seeks to secure the position of Commonwealth Secretary-General for the continent but also aspires to foster a cohesive and prosperous future for the Commonwealth as a whole. As the month of October approaches, the focus will be on whether African leaders can come together and rally behind a unified candidate, thereby reinforcing their collective strength and commitment to equitable representation in the Commonwealth. This unity, which is deeply rooted in the principles of ubuntu, holds immense potential for creating a stronger and more interconnected future for Africa and the broader Commonwealth.
In conclusion, rallying behind Joshua Phoho Setipa is more than a political strategy. It is a powerful testament to our unwavering commitment to unity, equity, and shared progress. It is high time for Africa to stand as one and support a candidate who embodies our collective aspirations and possesses the leadership qualities to guide the Commonwealth into a future of prosperity and inclusiveness. The choice for African nations is clear. By uniting behind Lesotho’s Setipa, African countries can not only rotate representation but also affirm their commitment to the principles of unity, solidarity, and pan-Africanism. Setipa’s credentials, experience, and understanding of global trade and development make him the ideal candidate to lead the Commonwealth Secretariat and advocate for the interests and aspirations of African nations on the global stage. The Future is Now!
Theko Tlebere is Phd candidate at Peking Universisty.
