WTO members urge Okonjo-Iweala to seek 2nd term as DG

Some members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) are pushing for a second term in office for its current Director-General, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

In a document shown to the public on Friday, July 19, 2024, the group, known as the African Group, wants the former Nigerian finance minister to run for a second term in office.

“The African Group is of the view that it would be in the best interest of the Organization if the process of reappointment were to start early,” the document sent by Chad, asking Okonjo-Iweala to make herself available for reappointment, said.

It cited the need to make progress on outcomes under her tenure ahead of the next major ministerial meeting due to be hosted by Cameroon.

Meanwhile, under WTO rules, Okonjo-Iweala, now 70, has until the end of November to decide whether to apply.

Although some WTO delegates have privately speculated that she may want to avoid a second term if US presidential candidate, Donald Trump, wins in November since his administration opposed her appointment.

Okonjo-Iweala has also previously voiced concerns that some of Trump’s proposals could upend the global trading system.

Showing her surprise about Trump opposing her during her interview process prior to becoming the WTO Director-General, Okonjo Iweala had said, “I think I was quite surprised when that came (opposition from Trump) because there was no indication that there was any problem with the US.

“I had two good interviews with the authorities and with the administration so it was a surprise. But that’s the way life works. When things happen, you take them in your stride and you move on.

“It was absolutely wonderful when the Biden/Harris administration broke that logjam. They joined the consensus and gave such a strong endorsement to my candidacy. They joined the other 163 members to endorse my candidacy.”