Mudavadi leads Raila's AUC campaign at Great Lakes Region forum

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku on November 13, 2024. [AFP].

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has called on the Great Lakes Region member states to support Raila Odinga’s bid for African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship.

Mudavadi, on Sunday, submitted Kenya’s candidature for AUC chairperson during the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) meeting in Angola, describing Raila as a respected Pan-Africanist, who has demonstrated knowledge, governance and diplomatic leadership on regional and global issues.

“Allow me to inform this distinguished gathering that Kenya has presented her candidature for the position of Chairperson of the AUC at the elections to be held during the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in February 2025,” he said.

“On behalf of the Government and the people of Kenya, I request the support of the Member States of the ICGLR for Raila, Kenya’s candidate for the AUC Chairperson,” he added.

Mudavadi, who is also the Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary, said that Raila served the African Union with distinction as the High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa and also successfully mediated political disputes in several countries.

He told the meeting that throughout his political career, the former Prime Minister has championed regional integration and fostered continental unity, development and economic transformation.

The Prime Cabinet Secretary said Kenya is confident that Raila’s vision, expertise and dedication will enhance the AU’s capacity to address key challenges and advance the collective aspirations for a united, peaceful, and prosperous Africa.

“I humbly seek support for Kenya’s candidacy from all of you valued member of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region. I assure you that together, we can ensure a leadership that reflects the shared values and priorities of our region and the continent,” he said.

Raila launched his candidacy earlier this month in Addis Ababa, as he unveiled his ambitious plan for the continent if he clinches the position in the elections scheduled for February next year.

“In today’s globalized world, Africa cannot afford to be a bystander but must be an integral partner to enhance the effectiveness and objectives of multilateral institutions. If I get the opportunity to lead the AU Commission, I will endeavor to strengthen the organisation’s collaboration with partners for our mutual benefit,” Raila said.

Last week, the former Prime Minister was in Benin where he held talks with Foreign Minister, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, as part of his engagement with leaders across the continent and outreach programme to rally support for his African AUC bid.

“I shared my vision on agriculture, infrastructure and technology to unite and amplify the voice of Africa if elected as the Chairperson of the AUC Benin and Kenya share very close relations, and I am grateful for the warm reception that I was accorded,” he said.

He was in Ghana for the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU) meeting and was also hosted by the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat (AfCFTA) in Accra.

 “I am happy to note the progress made in the treaty's implementation with 48 AU Member States ratifing the Agreement. My AUC vision for a stable and prosperous Africa is hinged on increasing inter Africa trade for development through the regional economic blocks,” Raila said.

In the same week, he was in Togo where he also met with President Faure Gnassingbé and held discussions on the opportunities, challenges and possible solutions to issues facing the African continent.

Raila is competing against Mahamoud Ali Youssouf (Djibouti), Richard Mahitsison Randriamandrato (Madagascar) and Anil Gayan (Mauritius).

In August, President William Ruto held a reception for for the former PM at State House, which served as an unveiling event for Kenya’s candidate.

Raila now has less than three months to convince countries to vote in his favour and top on his agenda is spurring economic transformation across the continent, enhancing intra-Africa trade, securing financial independence, and promoting gender equality.

“African unity is sacred to me. We must return unity to the top of our priorities. Without unity in a fast-consolidating and changing world, Africa will continue to be marginalised, exploited, and irrelevant,” he said.