A chain of reactions via social media was triggered by African leaders – past and present – as well as diplomats with respect to the historic election of Nigeria’s Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as new Director-General of the World Trade Organization, WTO.
The 66-year-old former Finance Minister of Africa’s most populous nation made history with her election as the first woman and first African to occupy the top post.
Her election as confirmed by consensus at a special meeting of the organisation's General Council in Geneva, Switzerland. Okonjo-Iweala – who also holds US citizenship – is a former Managing Director of the World Bank.
The Trump administration had blocked her candidature but that was lifted when the Biden White House backed her bid and her main contender – from South Korea – withdrew her challenge weeks back.
The African Union which backed her candidature issued a statement via AU Commission chair, Moussa Faki Mahamat. The statement read as follows:
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat warmly congratulates Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala of Nigeria upon her formal selection by the General Council of the World Trade Organization (WTO) as the next Director-General of the World Trade Organization.
Upon her formal appointment on 1 March 2021, Dr Okonjo-Iweala will become the first woman and the first African to head the Organization in its twenty-five year history, a double historical precedent in recognition of her inspirational global leadership.
The Chairperson also commends the Council for confirming Dr Okonjo-Iweala’s candidacy, which enjoyed strong global consensus, including the endorsement of the African Union.
Below are some reactions across Africa’s political and diplomatic community:
