President William Ruto has intensified his support for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s bid for the chairperson position of the African Union Commission (AUC), rallying African leaders and diplomats in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Ruto, who arrived in the Ethiopian capital on Wednesday evening after a brief visit to Juba, South Sudan, is in Ethiopia to champion Raila’s candidacy as part of a broader diplomatic effort to position Kenya as a key player in continental affairs.
The president was warmly received at the Bole International Airport by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, signaling the importance of this visit to the Horn of Africa. The trip comes at a critical moment as Raila prepares to formally launch his campaign for the AUC chairmanship, an influential position within the African Union (AU) that would allow him to shape the direction of the continent’s political and economic future.
On Thursday, President Ruto engaged with diplomats and permanent representatives of African countries at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa. As a key proponent of African Union reforms, Ruto addressed the Permanent Representatives Committee, stressing the importance of consultation and cooperation to drive forward the continent’s agenda. His remarks emphasized the need for Africa to organize effectively to overcome its myriad challenges.
“It is imperative that Africa becomes organized and builds the necessary synergy to tackle the challenges that face the continent. To achieve this crucial objective, the reform agenda of the African Union institutions must be thorough and consultative,” President Ruto stated. He reiterated that AU reforms should focus on making its institutions more accountable, efficient, and responsive to the needs of member states and the African people.
While Ruto’s official social media post did not specify his exact role in supporting Raila, his actions in Addis Ababa make it clear that he is using his platform as an AU reform champion to lobby for Raila’s candidacy. This aligns with Kenya’s broader diplomatic strategy to ensure that a Kenyan national takes the helm of the African Union Commission, a move that would enhance the country’s influence within the organization and on the global stage.
Raila, who is also in Addis Ababa, is scheduled to unveil his continental campaigns on Friday. This event will provide a significant platform for Raila to engage with African Union stakeholders, partners, and core players who are pivotal in shaping the direction of the AU. According to a statement from Raila’s secretariat, the Addis Ababa event follows the formal announcement of his candidacy in Nairobi on August 27, 2024, and is a vital opportunity to expand his vision for Africa’s future.
During the Friday event, Raila will outline his Pan-African vision and priorities, which are aligned with the AU’s Agenda 2063, a strategic framework for the continent’s sustainable development. Raila’s plans emphasize key areas such as regional integration, economic empowerment, and the strengthening of democratic institutions across Africa.
Later in the evening, Raila will deliver a keynote address at the Grand Campaign Reception, which will take place at the AU Multipurpose Hall. This marks the beginning of his formal continental campaign, with hopes of gaining support from AU member states and key continental leaders.
President Ruto’s engagement in Addis Ababa is part of a broader effort to assert Kenya’s leadership on the African continent. As the current champion of African Union reforms, Ruto is keen on ensuring that the institutions of the AU become more efficient and responsive to the needs of member states. By supporting Raila’s bid, Ruto is signaling his commitment to advancing Kenya’s interests within the AU while also promoting a candidate who shares his vision for a reformed and stronger African Union.
As the race for the AUC chairperson heats up, Kenya’s diplomatic push is expected to continue in the coming weeks, with further engagements aimed at securing Raila Odinga’s election to the prestigious position. The outcome of this bid could have far-reaching implications not only for Kenya but for the African Union’s ability to address the pressing issues facing the continent today.
Kenya's recent youth-led protests, which included the unprecedented storming of Parliament on June 25, 2024, have left a significant mark Read more
Donald Trump's unexpected 2024 presidential win has stirred shock waves across the United States. Kamala Harris's campaign is scrambling to Read more
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris publicly addressed the nation on November 6, calling on her fellow Democrats to accept the Read more
The Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF), General Charles Kahariri, on Tuesday made a significant visit to Kenya Defence Forces Read more
Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris recently stirred controversy at the Pan-African Parliament in South Africa with her remarks on the Read more
President William Ruto has expressed his heartfelt condolences following the death of Pastor Raphael Obego, a well-known preacher from Homa Read more