Raila's AU push enters final lap with bid getting endorsements

President William Ruto hosts Ghana’s President-elect John Mahama where they discussed the expansion of the intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area. He thanked him for declaring his support for Raila Odinga‘s African Union Commission Chairperson candidature. President Ruto agreed to grace his swearing-in in Accra next month. They were joined by AUC Chair candidate Rt Hon. Raila Odinga in Kilgoris, Narok County. [SUE NYAMASEGE /PCS.] 

In about a month’s time, the hotly contested African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson elections will take place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Kenya has firmly set its sights on the seat and, as the elections draw closer, it has intensified its campaigns, with President William Ruto playing a central role.

The President is expected to continue rallying support for Kenya’s candidate, Raila Odinga, in Kampala, Uganda, where he will attend the AU Committee of Ten Heads of State and Government (C10) meeting tomorrow.

The member states represented at the meeting are Senegal, Sierra Leone, Chad, Egypt, Tunisia, Malawi, Namibia, Kenya, Mauritius.

On the sidelines of Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama’s inauguration on Tuesday, Ruto sought Ghana’s support for Raila’s candidacy.

While in Ghana, Ruto held meetings with Presidents Faure Gnassingbé of Togo and Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana, as well as Equatorial Guinea’s Vice-President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue.

“Held talks with President Masisi of Botswana in Accra, Ghana. President Masisi pledged his support for Raila Odinga’s African Union Commission chairperson bid,” said the President, who was accompanied by Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.

During the meetings, Ruto affirmed that Africa’s future would be shaped by inclusive dialogue among all stakeholders on the need for the continent’s transformation.

In return, Presidents Gnassingbé and Masisi, as well as Vice-President Obiang, pledged their support for Raila’s candidacy.

Aside from those led by the President, Raila has also been conducting campaigns, including a recent meeting with Mauritius’ Prime Minister, Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam.

“Thank you, Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam, Prime Minister of Mauritius, for hosting me and for your unequivocal support for my candidature for the African Union Commission Chairperson,” Raila said on Tuesday.

Raila is contesting the AUC Chairperson position against Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, and former Madagascan Foreign Affairs Minister, Richard Randriamandrato.

Meanwhile, South African journalist Sophie Mokoena has questioned Raila’s eligibility in light of reports of abductions in Kenya.

“You are campaigning for the position of AU Commission Chair. Why must Africa consider you when your country can’t provide answers on abduction cases in Kenya? You want to lead the continent when you are failing to lead in your own country,” Mokoena asked on X.

In response, some Kenyans defended Raila, noting that he is a private citizen who has consistently condemned the abductions.

Raila has been traversing the continent, seeking support from AUC member states while outlining his vision. Among other priorities, he aims to focus on women and youth empowerment, leverage artificial intelligence and technology to boost intra-continental trade, and transform Africa’s economy if elected AUC Chairperson.

On 24 December, President Ruto met the outgoing Chairperson, Moussa Faki, in Kilgoris. Ruto stated that Kenya was working on reforms within the African Union’s structure to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness in advancing the continent’s interests.

“We discussed, among other things, AU reforms and the upcoming election of the AUC Chairperson, a post that Raila is contesting,” said Ruto.

On 29 December, Ruto hosted Mahama, where they discussed expanding intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area and Raila’s candidacy.

“I thanked him for declaring his support for Raila‘s AUC Chairperson candidature,” Ruto said.

Raila added: “I had the privilege of joining President Ruto in hosting Ghana’s President Mahama. We expressed our appreciation for his visit and used the opportunity to update him on my campaigns and vision for the AUC Chairperson role.”

Last month, Raila participated in Mjadala Afrika, a televised debate platform for candidates to present their visions for implementing the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

“The debate focuses on policy issues and solutions-oriented engagement, detailing how each candidate intends to advance the Aspirations and Goals of Agenda 2063, other AU projects with a continental focus, and Common African Positions,” the AUC stated.

Musalia Mudavadi has also been campaigning for Raila among member states of the Great Lakes Region.

Mudavadi submitted Kenya’s candidature during the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) meeting in Angola, describing Raila as a respected Pan-Africanist with extensive knowledge and diplomatic leadership on regional and global issues.

“On behalf of the Government and the people of Kenya, I request the support of the ICGLR member states for Raila, Kenya’s candidate for the AUC Chairperson,” Mudavadi said.

Mudavadi noted that Raila served the African Union with distinction as the High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa and successfully mediated political disputes in several countries.

Some of the AU countries Raila visited in December to solicit support included Chad, the Central African Republic, and Morocco.

In Chad, Raila met President Mahamat Idriss Déby to discuss his candidacy and stressed the importance of uniting Africa through infrastructure, intra-African trade, and visa policy reforms.

“It will take the goodwill of all Africans – leaders and citizens – to dismantle barriers and foster unity,” Raila said.

He added: “I shared my vision for empowering the youth, placing them at the centre of innovation and change on the continent. I envision vibrant cities brimming with energy, where young entrepreneurs leverage technology and creativity to build dynamic businesses.”

Raila also met Morocco’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Nasser Bourita, last December.