Raila pushes for closer Africa unity, integration and more trade

Raila speaking at the launch of FESTAC in Kisumu. [Michael Mute, Standard]

Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga has called for escalated unity and integration among African countries.

Speaking during the launch of fifth edition of the World Blacks and Africans Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC) in Kisumu yesterday, Odinga, who is among candidates for the African Union chairperson position, said Africa has to change, noting that the cultural ties that bind the continent are a great starting point on the path to unity.

The event was held at the town's Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium.

Raila noted that integration is an idea whose time has come and the discussion must return to the top of the continent's priorities.

He argued that this can only happen through continental trade, open skies, open visa policies and investment in infrastructure and quality education.

He said it would be difficult for Africa to move forward yet it was unable to trade with itself in the first place.

Odinga noted that Africa must also fully develop and deploy culture and creative industries to unite the continent.

He said after over 60 years since most of Africa countries attained independence, they are still divided and proud to be divided by the languages the colonial masters imposed on them at a time the owners of those colonial languages are forging a united Europe.

"There is no Anglophone or Francophone Europe but there is Anglophone and Francophone Africa. What a pity! Africa has to change. Escalated unity is the way to go," he said.

Odinga committed to make it one of his agenda should he get elected as chairman of the African Union Commission to work with African leaders to be deliberate and intentional in reorganising Africa in some sort of federation or union.

"My core agenda, should I get elected to that position, is to work with our leaders to be deliberate and intentional in reorganising Africa in some sort of federation or union to blunt the national divisions, assuage the economic hungers and unleash the continent's potential," he said.

He said half a century ago, Africa's grandparents fought to liberate the continent from foreign rule and today, Africa must fight to liberate itself from its own fears.

"The fear that makes it so hard for Africa to trade with itself. The fear that makes it so hard for an African to visit another African country. The fear that makes it so hard to fly from Nairobi to Lagos. The fear that makes it impossible to travel across the continent by train. The idea of African unity is not new. It is as old as history. It was the core agenda of the continent's fathers but it never happened," he noted.

Also attending the Kisumu event was former Nigerian President Olesugun Obasanjo who said Africa has no reason to be poor and blamed it on a poor mentality.

"We have to take two steps forward one side and two forward. Unless we are able to get there, we will not get the respect and appreciation of the world that we deserve. Africa is not yet economically liberated and that is why we need a man like Raila to lead AU and give us the reforms and leadership that will help us grow," he added.

Governors Anyang Nyongo, James Orengo, Simba Arati and Gladys Wanga attended the event.