The African Union (AU) is facing backlash over a recruitment advertisement featuring a poster with people perceived to be Caucasian alongside only one visibly dark-skinned African.
“We’re hiring, and we’re looking for you. The African Union offers careers that challenge you, help you grow, and connect you to work that genuinely matters for Africa and the world. If you’re ready to bring your skills to the continent’s leading institution, we want to hear from you,” the post reads.
The accompanying image featured five individuals. Two appeared to have visible Caucasian features, two were light-skinned, while one was dark-skinned and visibly African.
The post sparked widespread criticism on social media over what many users described as a lack of African representation.
“What visual message is this poster sending? Who signed off on this?” David Hundeyin, an investigative journalist, asked.
While skin tones vary across the continent, the majority of Africans have medium-brown to dark-brown skin, particularly across West, Central, and much of East Africa. Lighter skin tones are more common among some North African populations.
Robert McKenna, another journalist, suggested that the AU should merge its hiring process with the European Union (EU) and the United States.
Here are some of the social media reactions:
“An African Union run by Caucasians and a token ‘blackie’ in the picture. So the other blackies don’t get too uncomfortable. Just comfortable enough for them to subliminally accept who runs the Union, without causing an uproar.” – @SpacemanAp
“Nawa oh. We’re hiring and it’s one Black person. Two white people and the other two are undecided. Fair enough, man.” – @AjalaAbdulrahm1
“An honest question: Why does an institution representing 1.5 billion predominantly Black Africans feel the need to present itself this way? History isn’t only what happened; it’s what continues to influence the present.” – @blackJournals01
“As one would especially expect, this is indeed an extension of the European Union, as you are proudly sponsored by the EU. And now you are advertising your positions for Europeans and not Africans.” – @FernandoWona
“Why did you people put Caucasians on a flyer hiring Black people for an African organisation? Who signed off on this atrocious thing?” – @DavidOchiama
“You should have included an Indian and a Chinese.” – @Ugo_KelechiPhD
