Wednesday August 28, 2024
The event was attended by Heads of State and dignitaries from across the continent, reflecting broad support for Odinga’s candidacy.
NAIROBI, Kenya (HOL) - Kenya officially launched Raila Odinga's bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship on Tuesday with a ceremony at State House in Nairobi, garnering support from East African leaders despite the absence of Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
President William Ruto confirmed that President Mohamud could not attend due to unavoidable circumstances but expressed his full support for Odinga's candidacy. Odinga is vying to succeed outgoing AUC Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat.
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The ceremony was attended by key figures, including Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu, South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit, and Burundian Prime Minister Gervais Ndirakobuca. Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu highlighted Odinga's contributions to the African Union, particularly in advancing Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area. She emphasized the need for institutional reforms within the AU and reiterated Tanzania's support for Odinga's bid.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and Burundian Prime Minister Gervais Ndirakobuca also supported Odinga's ability to unify Africa and drive its development agenda. Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, a long-time ally of Odinga, stressed the importance of strong leadership as Africa faces challenges such as poverty, insecurity, and global conflicts.
Odinga's campaign has gained momentum after the withdrawal of Somalia's former Foreign Minister, Fawzia Yusuf Adam, from the AUC Chairmanship in August 2024. Adam, the first Somali woman nominated for this prestigious position, had launched an effective lobbying campaign with the initial full backing of the Somali government. Adam's withdrawal followed pressure from Somali federal government leaders and federal member states.
The Eastern Africa region, designated to nominate the next AUC Chairperson under the AU's rotational rules, now primarily backs Odinga following Adam's withdrawal. Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, who entered the race in April, is still contesting the chairmanship.
The AUC chairmanship election, set for February 2025, will require the winning candidate to secure two-thirds of the votes from the AU's 55 member states. With strong regional support and a well-coordinated campaign strategy, Odinga's bid is positioned as a leading force in the race to head the African Union Commission.