A row between Kenya and Ghana over who carries Africa’s mantle in the race for the WTO top job has intensified as nominees formally made their submissions as part of the selection process.
Ms Amina Mohamed of Kenya and Ghana’s trade minister Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen are the only candidates from Africa hoping to succeed Pascal Lamy as director-general of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
Mr Lamy retires in August after completing two four-year terms at the helm of the global trade body.
The candidature of Kenya and Ghana for the WTO job has caused divisions in Africa amid concerns that having more than one nominee in the race could jeopardise the continent’s chances of clinching the prestigious position.
Only last week, the Inter-Governmental Authority for Development (Igad) backed Kenya’s candidate, nearly six months after the Africa Union (AU) said it would back Ghana’s choice.
These differences persisted on Wednesday in Geneva as the nominees from Kenya and Ghana prepared to make their submissions as part of the selection process.
Ms Mohamed maintained she was in the race for the WTO position by merit despite claims that Kenya’s candidature could ruin Africa’s chance of clinching the post. She also said her candidacy was not intended to split the African vote.
“As a lawyer, I clearly understand what the procedure for endorsement of Africa candidates is all about. The procedures are not intended for selection but election purposes,” she told a media briefing at the WTO headquarters in Geneva on Wednesday.
She said that Kenya picked her to run for the seat last March, four months before Mr Kyerematen was given the nod.
“I am hoping the members of this organisation are going to judge my candidature based on merit, competence, my track record here at the WTO and fair hearing,” Ms Amina said.
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