Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is one step into the race to clinch the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship after the government submitted his documentation.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei submitted Raila’s documentation on Monday, July 29, 2024, through the Dean of the Eastern Region Raj Busgeeeth, Ambassador of Mauritius, and to the Office of the Legal Counsel of the African Union.
Raila is set to face other candidates during the elections to be held during the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Africa Union in Addis Ababa, in February 2025.
Based on the principle of inter-regional rotation, it is the turn of the East African region to submit candidates for the role of Chairperson.
Since the founding of the OAU in 1963 and its mutation to AU, no Kenyan has ever served as the secretary-general or chairperson of the organization.
“Kenya’s candidature comes at a critical moment in history. Despite the milestones achieved so far in the continent, Africa continues to experience economic distress, environmental challenges, conflicts, terrorism, and general social discord, exacerbated by geopolitical competition. Perhaps at no time in the history of the African Union has the continent needed a more visionary leader, an accomplished statesman and a quintessential Pan-Africanist,” the State Department for Foreign Affairs stated after submitting the documentation.
According to the government, the decision to front Raila for the position was informed by his Pan-Africanist credentials, his suitability, his vast networks across Africa and his proven competence to lead AUC – Africa’s premier continental organization.
Raila’s credentials
Raila previously served as Prime Minister and in various Ministerial portfolios and as the High Representative of the AUC Chairperson on Infrastructure. He has observed several elections in Africa and has served as a peace mediator in several countries.
“It is fact that Africa is endowed with vast human and natural resources that have yet to be fully harnessed for the benefit of its people. That is why the AU needs a catalytic and visionary leader to unlock this potential. The remarkable life and exemplary career experiences of the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga make him a perfect fit to sit at the helm of the AUC to drive Africa’s transformation and Agenda 2063,” the statement added.
“Odinga is an exceptional African. He embodies high ethical standards and unparalleled integrity and well-honed diplomatic skills. He is an ardent champion of African unity, intra-African trade and integration, and infrastructural connectivity. These qualities were in full display when he served as High Representative of the AUC Chairperson on Infrastructure.”
According to the government, Raila has formulated priorities and strategies to address the most pressing challenges facing the continent including African integration and infrastructure development, economic transformation, enhancing intra-African trade, financial independence, gender equity and equality, agricultural transformation, climate action, peace and security and a youth empowerment agenda for Africa.
“His leadership is visionary, transformational, action-oriented, and shall accelerate the implementation of the aspirations, goals, and flagship programs of Agenda 2063. Mr Odinga’s key focus and commitment is to harness Africa’s rich and vast human and natural resources to propel Africa towards a new era of shared prosperity,” the statement added.
“He envisions an African Union Commission that can deliver on the priorities of the African peoples – both by catalyzing delivery on our continent and by commanding the global influence it rightfully warrants.”
Currently, Raila is facing competition from Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Somalia’s former Foreign Affairs Minister Fawzia Yusuf Adam and Seychelles’ former Vice President Vincent Meriton.
The four candidates from the Eastern Africa region are seeking to succeed the current chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, who has held the position since 2017.