Raila Odinga will join three other candidates on December 13, 2024, in a high-stakes televised debate as they vie for the prestigious position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC).
The Mjadala Afrika debate, hosted at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, is a pivotal moment in the campaign for the AUC’s top leadership position.
The event will bring together Raila and his counterparts Mahmoud Ali Youssouf from Djibouti, Richard Randriamandrato from Madagascar, and Anil Gayan from Mauritius.
Set to begin at 7:00 pm Eastern Africa Time (EAT), the debate will be broadcast live across the continent in six AU languages – English, French, Arabic, Portuguese, Spanish and Swahili.
In a post on X on Thursday, December 5, 2024, the commission announced that the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation will provide the feed for all public broadcasters in member states, enabling them to air the debate live in any of the six official AU languages.
The debate provides a unique opportunity for the candidates to present their visions for implementing Agenda 2063, the African Union’s strategic framework for socio-economic transformation.
As the continent grapples with challenges such as economic inequality, climate change, and regional conflicts, the AUC Chairperson’s role is seen as pivotal in shaping Africa’s future.
Organized as a solutions-focused dialogue, the debate will challenge candidates to articulate policy positions and strategies for advancing continental priorities.
These include fostering unity, promoting sustainable development, and implementing Common African Positions on global issues.
Raila’s candidature
Raila Odinga enters the race as a seasoned statesman with decades of experience in governance, infrastructure development, and continental diplomacy.
A prominent proponent of Pan-Africanism, Raila has played a key role in mediating conflicts across the region and driving infrastructure initiatives under the African Union.
His candidacy is expected to focus on enhancing intra-African trade, fostering peace, and leveraging technology for economic growth.
Raila’s campaign aligns closely with the aspirations outlined in Agenda 2063, particularly in areas such as industrialization and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Baba’s competitors also bring their own wealth of experience and diverse perspectives to the table:
Mahmoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti is an experienced diplomat who emphasizes strengthening Africa’s role on the global stage while addressing regional security challenges.
Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar is an economist who focuses on inclusive economic growth, environmental sustainability, and regional cooperation.
Anil Gayan of Mauritius is a seasoned lawyer and former diplomat who highlights governance reforms and building resilient institutions.
The AU debate is not just about electing a leader; it’s a moment for Africa to engage with its citizens and articulate a collective vision for the future.
Mjadala Afrika has been designed to inspire public discourse and foster transparency in the AU’s leadership selection process.
The December 13 debate will mark a critical milestone in this journey, offering voters, policymakers, and citizens an unfiltered look at the leaders vying to shape Africa’s destiny.
