That power could be a source of both peace and conflict among Africa's stronger nations while military interventions could be exploited by leaders of the security council to advance their own regional and continent-wide agendas. This is why competition is already heating up among Africa's many regional rivals for the five seats that will chair the council. Among the factors that may decide who is selected will be the extent of a candidate's relationship with Europe or especially the United States. This means Washington could gain more influence over military actions in the continent.
The union's 53 member-states will select the 15 members of the security council for two-year terms while the five regional chairs -- representing Eastern, Southern, Northern, Western and Central Africa -- will be elected for three-year terms. So far South Africa and Gabon appear to have the Southern African and Central African seats respectively locked up.
Which countries will take the three remaining seats is still uncertain. Algeria, Egypt and Libya are all vying for the North African seat while Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania are competing to represent East Africa. And a rivalry has broken out between Nigeria and Senegal over the seat representing West Africa.
The union's 53 member-states will select the 15 members of the security council for two-year terms while the five regional chairs -- representing Eastern, Southern, Northern, Western and Central Africa -- will be elected for three-year terms. So far South Africa and Gabon appear to have the Southern African and Central African seats respectively locked up.
Which countries will take the three remaining seats is still uncertain. Algeria, Egypt and Libya are all vying for the North African seat while Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania are competing to represent East Africa. And a rivalry has broken out between Nigeria and Senegal over the seat representing West Africa.