Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has ramped up his campaign for the position of African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson with a strategic visit to Algeria. On Wednesday, Raila met with Algeria’s Prime Minister Nadir Larbaoui, where he outlined his vision for the continent and sought the country’s support for his bid. Raila emphasized the need to strengthen Pan-Africanism and ensure continental prosperity should he be elected to lead the AUC. In a post on X, Raila expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and fruitful discussions with Prime Minister Larbaoui, reaffirming the longstanding bond between Kenya and Algeria.
Raila’s visit to Algeria is part of a broader campaign strategy aimed at securing votes across the continent ahead of the AUC elections set to take place in Addis Ababa next month. The seasoned politician has been busy reaching out to key African nations, particularly those in the Southern African Development Community (SADC). His diplomatic charm offensive took him to Maputo, Mozambique, where he was hosted by newly sworn-in President Daniel Francisco Chapo. The ceremony, attended by Kenya’s Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, also provided Raila with an opportunity to discuss his vision for Africa.
In addition to his engagements in Mozambique, Raila also met with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Lesotho’s Prime Minister Sam Matekane, emphasizing his commitment to promoting unity and progress across the continent. These discussions are part of Raila’s broader mission to garner support from African leaders in a race against Djibouti’s Mahamoud Youssouf, who has already secured backing from the Arab League, representing 27 states.
As the race for the AUC chair intensifies, Raila’s secretariat seems to have secured fewer than 10 endorsements, indicating the tight nature of the contest. Youssouf’s campaign has remained relatively low-key, with intermittent periods of activity. However, Raila’s continuous meetings with heads of state across Africa demonstrate his relentless push to sway key decision-makers in his favor.
With only a month left before the elections, Raila’s efforts are entering the final stretch. The outcome of the upcoming elections will have significant implications for the future of the African Union, and Raila’s campaign strategy is designed to leave no stone unturned in his quest to make history as the next AUC chairperson.
