Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga is ramping up his bid for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC) with strategic visits to Southern African Development Community (SADC) nations. This week, Raila engaged with key leaders in the region, presenting his vision for a prosperous and united Africa.
On Thursday, Raila met with Botswana President Duma Boko in Gaborone, where he outlined his comprehensive plans for the AUC chairmanship. The discussion focused on fostering stronger regional integration, economic growth, and sustainable development across Africa. Raila emphasized his commitment to addressing the continent’s challenges through collaborative efforts and visionary leadership.
“Thank you, President Boko, for creating time to allow me to share my vision for a prosperous and united Africa,” Raila stated after their meeting. He expressed confidence in securing Botswana’s backing, underscoring the importance of regional solidarity in achieving the African Union’s (AU) goals.
Raila’s campaign then took him to Pretoria, South Africa, where he held discussions with President Cyril Ramaphosa. Their meeting revolved around Raila’s ten-priority agenda for the AUC, which focuses on issues such as economic empowerment, youth inclusion, conflict resolution, and climate change resilience. Raila described his interaction with Ramaphosa as fruitful, noting that the South African leader appreciated his detailed roadmap for revitalizing the AU.
“We discussed my vision for the continent, and I got an opportunity to outline my plan for the African Union Commission, which is anchored on ten priority areas,” Raila stated.
The day culminated in Lesotho’s capital, Maseru, where Raila was hosted by Prime Minister Sam Matekane. The Lesotho leadership expressed interest in Raila’s vision for the AU, particularly his focus on uniting the continent and addressing pressing socio-economic challenges. Raila emphasized the importance of leveraging Africa’s resources to drive sustainable growth while fostering peace and stability.
Raila’s engagements in the SADC region, which have also included meetings with Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Namibia’s Vice President Nangolo Mbumba, demonstrate his commitment to garnering widespread regional support. As the race for the AUC chairmanship intensifies, Raila’s diplomatic approach and visionary agenda appear to resonate with key leaders across the continent.
The former Prime Minister’s efforts signal a proactive campaign aimed at positioning Africa on a transformative path, should he ascend to the helm of the African Union Commission
