Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga is on a West African tour to garner support for his bid to become the next Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC). In his most recent diplomatic stop, Raila visited The Gambia, where he was warmly received by the country’s leadership as part of his extensive campaign across the continent.
Upon arrival at Banjul International Airport, Raila was welcomed by Vice President Mohammed B.S. Jallow. The Gambian leader expressed his country’s goodwill towards Raila’s candidacy, a significant step in securing backing for his bid. Raila’s presence in The Gambia is part of a broader push to strengthen his position ahead of the highly anticipated AUC elections, set for February 2025.
Raila’s campaign for the AUC chairmanship has been gaining momentum, with leaders from across Africa offering their support. One of the key moments of Raila’s trip to The Gambia was a phone call from President Adama Barrow, who was on a regional tour at the time. In the conversation, President Barrow expressed his well-wishes and discussed Raila’s vision for Africa, signaling Gambia’s support for his candidacy.
Raila shared his gratitude for the warm reception on his social media accounts, saying, “I had the honour of meeting Vice President Mohammed Jallow, who accorded me a warm welcome. President Barrow graciously called me, and we discussed my candidacy for the AUC Chairmanship and the vision I have for transforming our continent if elected.”
The Gambia’s backing is crucial for Raila as he continues to build a coalition of support for his candidacy. His campaign has already received significant support from the East African region, where leaders have rallied behind him following the African Union Executive Council’s decision to present an East African candidate for the AUC leadership. This strategic decision positions Raila as the region’s frontrunner, amplifying his chances of success.
Raila’s campaign is built around a compelling vision for Africa, focused on advancing sustainable development, fostering unity among African nations, and strengthening the institutional frameworks of the African Union. His extensive political career and commitment to Pan-Africanism have earned him respect across the continent. The support of influential leaders like former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo further solidifies Raila’s standing as a unifying force capable of addressing Africa’s pressing challenges.
During a recent press conference with AU Special Envoy Obasanjo, Raila expressed his readiness to serve the continent. “I am inclined to accept the challenge and I am ready and I offer myself to be of service,” he stated. Raila also emphasized the importance of continued diplomatic engagements, calling on leaders like Obasanjo to act as ambassadors for his cause and further promote his vision to other African leaders.
Raila’s bid to lead the African Union is seen by many as a natural progression for a politician who has dedicated much of his life to the advancement of the African continent. His long-standing advocacy for regional integration, democratic governance, and socio-economic development positions him as a strong contender for the AUC Chairmanship. If elected, Raila Odinga will succeed Chad’s Moussa Faki Mahamat, who has held the position since 2017.
The upcoming AUC elections in February 2025 are expected to be highly competitive, with several candidates vying for the influential position. Raila’s diplomatic engagements, such as his visit to The Gambia, are part of a strategic effort to secure a continental consensus for his leadership. His campaign is not only focused on winning the election but also on building a broad-based coalition that can collectively address Africa’s most pressing issues, including poverty, conflict resolution, and climate change.
As Raila Odinga continues to make his case for the AUC Chairmanship, his diplomatic efforts are signaling a robust push towards securing the support needed to lead the African Union in the years to come. His vision for Africa, bolstered by his extensive political experience, presents a compelling argument for why he should lead the AUC in its next chapter.
