Raila Odinga has officially unveiled a website to support his bid for the Africa Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship position.
The website was launched moments after a high-profile event at State House, Nairobi, on August 27, 2024, to launch Raila’s bid for the AUC chairmanship.
Raila’s new website is aptly titled ‘Candidate of the Republic of Kenya for the Chairperson of the African Union Commission’.
The website is intended to market Raila’s candidature across the continent ahead of the AUC chairperson election next year.
“I envision a united Africa characterized by peace, prosperity, and sustainable progress for all. We must harness our vast human and natural resources, and integrate the energy of our youth with the vision and wisdom of our leaders.
“As a lifelong Pan-Africanist, I will offer participatory leadership to ensure delivery on the priorities of the African peoples as envisioned in the African Union Agenda 2063,” Raila says in a statement posted on his website.
Raila will run against Mahmoud Ali Youssouf from Djibouti, Anil Kumarsingh Gayan of Mauritius, and Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar.
Faki
The AUC chairperson seat will fall vacant next year as its current occupant, Moussa Faki Mahamat of Chad, is set to finish his two-term at the position.
Faki was first appointed in 2017 and won a second term in 2021.
The AUC Chairperson is the topmost official of the continental bloc, acting as the Chief Executive Officer, legal representative of the AU, and the Commission’s Chief Accounting Officer.
The functions include overseeing the Commission’s administration and finances, promoting and popularizing the AU’s objectives, enhancing its performance, consulting and coordinating with key stakeholders, and appointing and managing Commission staff.
The chairperson also acts as a depository for all AU and OAU treaties and legal instruments.
The new AUC chairperson will be selected at the next AU summit in 2025.
The AUC chairperson is elected by the Assembly consisting of the 55 member states for a four-year term, renewable once.
To be elected AUC chairperson, a candidate must garner a two-thirds majority support during voting by the 55 member states.
Raila will need at least 36 votes out of the total 55, as each country has only one vote.