Kenya’s candidate for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson, Raila Odinga, has intensified his campaign with a visit to Benin on November 20, 2024. Landing in Cotonou, Odinga engaged in high-level discussions with Benin’s Foreign Minister, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, to share his vision for Africa’s future and rally support ahead of the pivotal elections slated for February 2025 during the African Union Summit.
Odinga, who posted about his meeting on his X account, emphasized key pillars of his agenda, including agriculture, infrastructure development, and technological innovation. “I arrived in Cotonou, Benin, where I held talks with Foreign Minister Olushegun Adjadi Bakari. I shared my vision on agriculture, infrastructure, and technology to unite and amplify the voice of Africa if elected as the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC),” he stated.
This visit follows the unveiling of his manifesto in Addis Ababa earlier this month, where the former Kenyan Prime Minister pledged to spearhead economic transformation and address Africa’s most pressing challenges.
A Vision for Africa
During the Addis Ababa launch on November 8, Odinga outlined a forward-looking agenda designed to position Africa as a global powerhouse. Key areas of focus include fast-tracking economic growth, enhancing intra-African trade, fostering financial independence, and addressing gender equity. He also highlighted the urgent need for agricultural transformation and climate action to combat food insecurity and environmental degradation.
Odinga’s manifesto prioritizes education and women empowerment, recognizing their critical role in driving sustainable development. Speaking at a luncheon with African Union representatives, international envoys, and other partners, he stressed the importance of capitalizing on Africa’s abundant natural resources and human capital to eradicate poverty and drive prosperity.
“Our people suffer because of bad policies. I will strive to change that. I now have the knowledge and ability to turn all this wealth into prosperity to liberate our people and make them rich and powerful, creating the 21st century as an African century,” he remarked.
Broad Diplomatic Engagement
Odinga’s visit to Benin is part of an extensive diplomatic tour aimed at securing support from African leaders and stakeholders. His candidacy has garnered attention for its practical approach to addressing the continent’s longstanding challenges. By focusing on actionable solutions, Odinga seeks to build consensus and momentum across diverse African nations.
With the elections just months away, Odinga faces stiff competition from other seasoned diplomats. Djibouti’s top diplomat, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf; former Mauritanian Foreign Affairs Minister, Anil Gayan; and Madagascar’s former Foreign Affairs Minister, James Randriamandrato, are also vying for the position to succeed Moussa Faki Mahamat, the current chairperson.
Transforming the African Union
Odinga’s campaign emphasizes the transformative potential of the African Union (AU). By strengthening intra-African cooperation, he aims to reduce reliance on external funding, a perennial challenge for the AU. His focus on infrastructure development is central to fostering integration, while agricultural reforms are designed to enhance food security and empower rural communities.
Equally important is Odinga’s commitment to climate action, a critical issue for Africa, which is disproportionately affected by global warming despite contributing minimally to its causes. By prioritizing environmental sustainability, Odinga aims to align Africa’s development with global trends while safeguarding its natural resources for future generations.
Path to the February 2025 Elections
The February 2025 African Union Summit will serve as the stage for the highly anticipated AUC elections. Odinga’s candidacy has drawn praise for its bold and comprehensive vision, offering hope to a continent yearning for decisive and innovative leadership.
As Odinga continues his diplomatic tour, his ability to rally support from diverse African nations and stakeholders will be crucial in determining his success. His engagements in Benin mark another milestone in a campaign driven by the promise of a prosperous and unified Africa.
With Africa at a crossroads, the choice of the next AUC Chairperson will shape the continent’s trajectory for years to come. Whether Raila Odinga’s vision resonates with the electorate remains to be seen, but his candidacy underscores the growing demand for transformative leadership in the African Union.
