Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga has set his sights on one of the African Union’s most prestigious roles, engaging key stakeholders in Addis Ababa on Friday in his bid to become Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC). His campaign team announced that this significant engagement builds upon months of diplomatic networking, as Odinga aims to position himself as a pan-African leader ready to advance the African Union’s (AU) Agenda 2063.
Odinga’s decision to compete for the AUC Chair has been met with enthusiasm across Kenya and the East African region, given his deep-rooted experience in African diplomacy and governance. The upcoming gathering in Addis Ababa marks a strategic moment for Odinga to not only present his vision for the AU but also address the continental challenges he plans to tackle if elected.
The Nairobi reception on August 27, 2024, was a launchpad for Odinga’s bid, during which he formally declared his candidacy with backing from the Kenyan government. Friday’s event is a continuation of these efforts, giving him a unique platform to engage directly with African Union core players and other regional partners. The event, which will include meetings with foreign diplomats and influential leaders, seeks to solidify support across key African nations.
According to his campaign team, Odinga’s agenda in Addis Ababa centers on promoting the AU’s Agenda 2063 a blueprint aimed at fostering unity, peace, and sustainable development across Africa. Agenda 2063 envisions an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa, driven by its citizens and playing a dynamic role on the global stage. In line with this, Odinga is expected to advocate for policies that strengthen the African Union’s influence, emphasizing unity, economic empowerment, and a continent-driven approach to development and security.
A campaign statement confirmed, “The Addis event is a follow-up to the August 27 official reception of Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga’s candidature in Nairobi. It is designed to allow the candidate to engage with core players, formations, and partners of the AU.”
Odinga has emphasized his experience as an African statesman with a commitment to peacebuilding and development. The campaign has highlighted his role in past peace mediation efforts, particularly during crises in Africa, which has underscored his dedication to regional stability and diplomacy. His background aligns with the role’s demands, which include overseeing the AU’s policies, driving collaboration among member states, and addressing issues of poverty, health, education, and security.
On the evening of November 8, 2024, Odinga will deliver a keynote address at the AU Multipurpose Hall in Addis Ababa. The speech is anticipated as a defining moment in his campaign, where he will outline his vision for Africa’s future and seek to inspire stakeholders with his commitment to unity and progress.
Odinga’s main competitors for the AUC Chair include seasoned African leaders like Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, former Mauritian Foreign Minister Anil Kumarsingh Gayan, and Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato. Each candidate brings a unique set of experiences and perspectives on Africa’s most pressing issues. However, Odinga’s campaign has been swift in establishing his pan-African credentials and diplomatic outreach.
One critical factor in Odinga’s campaign is the backing of the Kenyan government, particularly from President William Ruto. Ruto’s administration has pledged support for Odinga, with leaders from East Africa and beyond expressing solidarity with his bid. This collaboration underscores a spirit of regional unity, which Odinga has vowed to carry into the AUC Chair role if elected.
The African Union Commission election, scheduled for February 2025, is expected to be highly competitive, with the winning candidate set to influence AU policies and decisions for years to come. Observers note that the campaign is not just about individual personalities but also about the future of the AU and how it can address the continent’s evolving challenges.
As Odinga continues his diplomatic engagements across Africa, he hopes to galvanize a vision that resonates with member states, positioning himself as a leader with the experience, passion, and dedication needed to steer Africa toward Agenda 2063’s aspirations.
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