WTO: France, Germany 104 Others Back Okonjo Iweala For Top Job |The Source

By Akinwale Kasali

Nigeria and Africa is set to make history following the backing of Germany, France, and 104 other countries, including European  of  Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to head the World Trade Organization, WTO.

Earlier, the African Union, AU, had backed the former Nigeria’s Finance Minister, and urged all members of the WTO to back her.

An EU official made the position of the EU public on Monday, sending a signal of trust in Africa.

South Korean Trade Minister, Yoo Myung-hee, is the only stumbling block to the actualisation of Okonjo-Iweala’s dream, as she is also eyeing the  position to be the first female leader in the WTO’s 25-year history.

One of the last Two will replace Brazilian, Roberto Azevedo, who quit a year earlier than expected at the end of August.

The EU’s support for Okonjo-Iweala is considered a strong signal to reinforce the multilateral order and a sign of mutual trust between the bloc and Africa, the official said.

An European source told AFP that seven member states had asked that their preference for Yoo be recorded in the statement, but another said backing Okonjo-Iweala was “a clear signal to Africa and a sign of mutual trust.”

With the EU backing, Okonjo-Iweala has emerged as the favourite to replace Brazil’s Roberto Azevedo at the WTO, and to become the first director general from Africa and the first woman to lead the institution.

The WTO’s consultation process ends on Tuesday and the new leader is expected to be named in November.

The WTO faces dual challenges and criticism from United States of America’s President, Donald Trump, whose administration  froze its appeals body by blocking its appointment of judges, and worsening U.S.-China trade relations.

She wants the WTO to help poorer countries access COVID-19 drugs and vaccines.