Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga has ramped up his efforts to secure the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson position as the fight for the prestigious continental role nears its conclusion.
In his latest move, Raila visited President Faustin-Archange Touadera of the Central African Republic to seek his endorsement for the role.
Raila shared details of his visit to the Central African country on his X account on Thursday, December 19, 2024.
“Thank you, H.E. Faustin-Archange Touadera, @F_AToudera, President of the Central African Republic, for hosting me in Bangui to share my vision for Africa as I continue my campaign for the African Union Commission Chairmanship,” Raila wrote.
The former prime minister has been touring various African countries, engaging directly with heads of state to secure their backing. His efforts come as the race to replace Moussa Faki Mahamat, the current AUC chairperson, enters a critical phase.
Faki, who has served two terms since his appointment in 2017, will vacate the position next year.
Raila’s campaign strategy has included presenting his vision for Africa’s future transformation. On Friday, December 13, 2024, he participated in the Mjadala Afrika debate in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He outlined his agenda for the continent during the televised event, emphasizing key issues such as economic development, regional integration, and peacebuilding.
While the debate reached millions of viewers across Africa, the ultimate decision does not rest with ordinary citizens. Instead, the election of the AUC chairperson is determined by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.
This exclusive group of African presidents and prime ministers will cast their votes to select the next leader of the commission.
Race to AU
Raila’s door-to-door diplomacy has already won him the support of several African leaders.
“Had a very productive meeting in Juba with the President of South Sudan. Thank you, H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, for hosting me. Your support and commitment to rallying the entire EAC block behind my AUC Chair candidacy are greatly appreciated,” Raila said after meeting President Kiir of South Sudan.
In August 2024, Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship was officially unveiled at State House in Nairobi.
During the announcement, six leaders from East African Community (EAC) member states; Burundi, Kenya, South Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda—voiced their support for Raila, describing him as the ideal candidate for the continental role.
Somalia, which has recently joined the EAC, is also expected to align its vote with the bloc. Earlier in August, Somali Foreign Minister Fawzia Yusuf withdrew her candidacy and endorsed Raila.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), another EAC member, has also thrown its weight behind Raila.
President Felix Tshisekedi, a close ally of the former Kenyan Prime Minister, offered his endorsement during a meeting focused on regional security, development, and climate change.
“I met with DRC President Felix Tshisekedi today to discuss my AUC bid. Our conversation centered on the foundational issues of security, development, and climate change—essential for creating lasting prosperity and advancing our shared future. I thank him for his endorsement,” Raila said following their discussions.
Outside the EAC, Raila has garnered support from numerous countries across the continent, including Gambia, Ethiopia, South Africa, Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Seychelles, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Algeria, and Angola.
On December 12, 2024, Gambia’s President Adama Barrow reaffirmed his country’s support for Raila during an address at State House, Nairobi.
“I wish to announce that Gambia will support the candidature of our brother Raila Odinga,” Barrow stated while hosted by Kenyan President William Ruto.
In recent weeks, Raila has ramped up his campaign efforts in West Africa, holding meetings with the presidents of Chad, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Ghana, and Togo. Additionally, he has engaged with foreign ministers from multiple North and West African nations.
In the broader Eastern African region, Raila has also met with Eritrea’s president as part of his campaign to secure the AUC chairmanship.
