Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga has expressed confidence in winning the upcoming African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship elections, scheduled to take place next week. Speaking on Saturday, Raila stated that he believes African leaders will rally behind his bid, allowing him to succeed Chad’s Moussa Faki, whose term is set to end next year.
Raila emphasized that he has traversed the continent, meeting with various Heads of State and government officials to share his vision for Africa. He reiterated his commitment to improving the lives of African people through collaborative leadership if elected as AUC chairperson.
“We have traveled the whole of Africa, met leaders, and talked to them about our vision for our continent—Africa for Africa—which is my agenda. I am confident I will be elected AUC chairman,” Raila affirmed. “I will do the job to the best of my ability in collaboration with other leaders from the continent to improve the lives of our people.”
Raila is facing competition from Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato in what is expected to be a highly contested election. The three candidates engaged in a televised debate on December 13, 2024, where they outlined their respective visions for leading Africa’s transformation through the implementation of the AU Mandate and Africa’s Agenda 2063.
The election will take place during the 38th AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on February 15 and 16. Prior to the election of the chairperson, AU Commissioners will be elected on February 12 and 13. The selection process will continue until one of the candidates secures the required two-thirds majority of votes from the 55 AU member states. This means the winner must obtain at least 33 votes to assume the AUC chairmanship.
As the election date nears, Raila’s confidence stems from his extensive diplomatic engagements across Africa. His campaign has focused on themes of continental unity, economic growth, and strengthening the African Union’s role in global affairs. He has also emphasized Africa’s self-reliance and development under his “Africa for Africa” agenda.
If successful, Raila Odinga will be tasked with steering the African Union through crucial challenges, including economic recovery, security concerns, and the implementation of Agenda 2063, the AU’s strategic framework for socio-economic transformation. With just days to go, all eyes are on Addis Ababa, where Africa’s next top diplomat will be determined.
