Odinga's AUC bid: What's the big deal?

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. [Samson wire]

With less than three months remaining, the race for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship is intensifying, with Raila Odinga facing off against Djibouti's Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.

Foreign policy expert Professor Noah Midamba argues that Odinga is the ideal candidate for the role, terming him "easily the best AUC chair the Commission will ever get." 

Midamba, appearing on Spice FM on Tuesday, November 12, referenced the former premier’s dedication to African independence, saying, "Raila has always passionately advocated for Africa to stand on its own," which he says is essential for an AUC chair.

Prof Noah Midamba: Raila is passionate about Africa being able to take control of itself. People misread who Raila is and what he is capable of.#TheSituationRoom
?Full Interview: https://t.co/lEBv4nvk8d pic.twitter.com/U3EXyg7i93 — SpiceFM (@SpiceFMKE) November 12, 2024

The foreign policy expert highlighted Africa’s vast resources, many of which he believes are underutilized or exploited by wealthier nations. 

With a strong, clear-headed leader like Odinga, he asserts, African nations can move closer to self-reliance and growth.

"We have highly educated Africans, but when it comes to making decisions in the best interest of our people, it's as if we’re inebriated, allowing others to step in and dictate our path," said Midamba. 

His endorsement follows Odinga's recent speech in Addis Ababa, outlining his vision for the AUC. 

The former Prime Minister described himself as a “lifelong servant of Africa,” inspired by his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, a noted Pan-Africanist.

Odinga's four-point agenda includes driving economic transformation, boosting intra-Africa trade, achieving financial independence, and advancing gender equality. 

If elected, he pledged to pursue a vision of a united and interconnected Africa.

Odinga’s competitors include three other candidates from Eastern Africa; Mahmoud Ali Youssouf (Djibouti), Richard Mahitson Randriamandrato (Madagascar), and Anil Gayan (Mauritius). 

To win in the first round, the Kenyan candidate must secure votes from 32 of the 48 eligible African nations. 

His goal is to succeed outgoing chair Moussa Faki Mahamat of Chad, who has completed two four-year terms.