Raila Odinga has launched a dedicated website to bolster his campaign for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC).
The website debuted shortly after a high-profile event at State House in Nairobi on August 27, 2024, where Raila formally announced his bid for the AUC chairmanship.
The site is titled ‘Candidate of the Republic of Kenya for the Chairperson of the African Union Commission’ and aims to enhance Raila’s visibility and support across the continent as the election approaches.
In a statement on his website, Raila outlines his vision for the role.
“I envision a united Africa characterized by peace, prosperity, and sustainable progress for all. We must harness our vast human and natural resources, and integrate the energy of our youth with the vision and wisdom of our leaders,” Raila says.
Raila, a lifelong Pan-Africanist, promises to offer participatory leadership to meet the priorities of the African peoples as laid out in the African Union Agenda 2063.
He faces competition from Mahmoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti, Anil Kumarsingh Gayan of Mauritius, and Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar.
Faki
The position of AUC chairperson will become available next year as the current chair, Moussa Faki Mahamat of Chad, concludes his second term.
Faki was initially appointed in 2017 and secured a second term in 2021.
The AUC chairperson serves as the chief executive officer, legal representative, and chief accounting officer of the AU.
Responsibilities include overseeing the Commission’s administration and finances, promoting AU objectives, enhancing performance, coordinating with stakeholders, and managing Commission staff.
Additionally, the chairperson is the custodian of all AU and OAU treaties and legal instruments.
The new chairperson will be elected during the next AU summit in 2025.
The AUC chairperson is elected by the Assembly of 55 member states for a four-year term, which is renewable once.
To secure the position, a candidate must achieve a two-thirds majority in the vote, requiring at least 36 votes from the member states, each of which has a single vote.
