Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has made a significant political statement by publicly endorsing Raila Odinga of Kenya for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson position, rejecting Djibouti’s Mahmoud Youssouf as a candidate. This move marks a pivotal moment in the race for the top AU post, which is set to become vacant in February 2025 when the current chair, Moussa Faki Mahamat of Chad, concludes his second term.
In a recent statement at the State House in Nairobi, Museveni clarified his position regarding the AUC chairmanship bid. He disclosed that Djibouti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mahmoud Youssouf, had visited him seeking support for his candidacy. Although Museveni received Youssouf cordially, engaging in pleasantries and a photo session, he made it unequivocally clear that his support would be for Raila Odinga.
“I greeted him warmly, we took photographs, and had a cup of tea,” Museveni recounted. “But I told him I was coming here (to Kenya) to support Raila because he is the candidate fit for this job.”
Museveni’s endorsement underscores a strategic alignment within East Africa, positioning Odinga as a prominent contender in the highly competitive race for the AUC chairmanship. The role of AUC chairperson demands a blend of vision, conviction, and profound knowledge, qualities Museveni attributes to Odinga, whose long-standing political career and advocacy for African unity align with the goals of the AU.
Raila Odinga’s candidacy was officially submitted by Kenya in July, marking a significant moment in the political landscape of Africa. During his unveiling as the AUC chairperson candidate, Odinga articulated his vision for a more integrated and cohesive Africa. He emphasized the need to overcome historical and logistical barriers that have impeded intra-continental trade and mobility.
Reflecting on Africa’s past struggles and the legacy of leaders such as Kwame Nkrumah and Julius Nyerere, Odinga highlighted the ongoing challenges that the continent faces. “Half a century ago, Africa’s grandparents fought to liberate the people from foreign rule, and today, we must fight to liberate ourselves from our fears,” Odinga declared. He underscored the necessity of addressing the fear that stymies trade and travel within the continent, citing the difficulties in traveling from Nairobi to Lagos or traversing Africa by train.
Odinga’s vision involves uniting African leaders to reshape the continent into a more cohesive entity, potentially a union or federation. He stressed the importance of building on Africa’s shared identity rather than focusing on divisions, aiming to enhance the continent’s global standing and economic potential.
The AUC chairperson’s race now features prominent contenders including Mahmoud Youssouf from Djibouti, Anil Gayan from Mauritius, and Richard Randriamandrato from Madagascar. Each candidate brings unique perspectives and regional support, but Odinga’s endorsement by Museveni may significantly bolster his chances.
As the election for the AUC chairperson approaches, the endorsement by Museveni reflects a broader strategic alignment within the East African region and highlights the importance of collaborative efforts in shaping Africa’s future. Raila Odinga’s candidacy is poised to advance the conversation on African unity, economic integration, and overcoming barriers to intra-continental connectivity.
In the coming months, as the candidates campaign and present their platforms, the support from influential leaders like Museveni could play a crucial role in determining the next AUC chairperson. The election will not only decide the leadership of the AU but also influence the direction of Africa’s collective future on the global stage.
