Angola is rallying the African Union (AU) to back Ambassador Josefa Sacko’s candidacy for the position of Director-General of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
Sacko, who previously served two terms as the AU Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, presented her vision to the AU Ministerial Committee on Candidatures during meetings in Addis Ababa.
The AU Executive Council is currently reviewing multiple African nominations for key international roles ahead of the Mid-Year Coordination Summit scheduled in Egypt, where heads of state will finalize the continent’s endorsements.
Angola’s diplomatic efforts include Foreign Minister Téte António’s discussions with AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf. According to Angola’s Ambassador to the AU, Professor Miguel Bembe, the talks focused on regional peace, the upcoming AU Extraordinary Summit in Luanda, and support for Sacko’s unified candidacy.
Currently serving as Angola’s Ambassador to Italy and Permanent Representative to Rome-based UN agencies, Sacko’s role places her at the heart of diplomatic engagement ahead of the FAO leadership election. Angola aims to secure a single African endorsement to boost her chances in the global race, continuing the continent’s tradition of presenting unified candidates for senior international posts.
If endorsed, Sacko will represent Africa in the bid to lead the FAO, the UN agency committed to combating hunger, enhancing food security, and promoting sustainable agriculture worldwide.
