Raila Odinga has intensified his campaign for the African Union Chairmanship as the race for the top continental position enters its final stages.
The former prime minister made a compelling case for Africa’s transformation during the Mjadala Afrika debate held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Friday, December 13, 2024.
Although Raila articulated his agenda to millions of viewers who followed the debate across Africa, it is not the ordinary African citizens who will determine his fate. Instead, it will be the heads of state and government who will cast the votes.
The Assembly of heads of state and government of the African Union (AU) is responsible for electing the next AUC chairperson.
In essence, it is Presidents and Prime Ministers who will vote to elect the AUC chair.
The AUC chairperson’s seat will become vacant next year, as the current occupant, Moussa Faki Mahamat of Chad, is set to complete his two terms in office.
Faki was first appointed in 2017 and won a second term in 2021.
The next AUC chair will be elected at the 38th AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in February 2025.
The AUC chairperson is elected by the Assembly, consisting of representatives from the 55 member states, for a four-year term, which is renewable once.
To be elected AUC Chairperson, a candidate must secure a two-thirds majority during voting by the 55 member states.
Raila will need at least 36 votes out of the total 55, with each AU member state casting only one vote.
Raila AUC campaigns
So far, Raila has garnered the support of a number of 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.
In August 2024, when Raila’s AUC candidacy was officially announced at State House in Nairobi, six leaders from the East African Community (EAC) pledged to support his bid.
The leaders from Burundi, Kenya, South Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda declared that Raila is the right candidate for the continental position.
Somalia, which has since joined the EAC, is expected to vote in line with the regional bloc.
Earlier in August, Somali Foreign Minister Fawzia Yusuf withdrew from the tight race and announced her support for Raila, providing the former Prime Minister with a major boost.
Raila also has the backing of another EAC country DR Congo whose president Felix Tshisekedi is his close ally.
“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 after meeting President Felix Tshisekedi.
Raila Odinga with South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa in Windhoek, Namibia on February 24, 2024. PHOTO/X(@RailaOdinga)Beyond the EAC bloc, Raila has also secured support from Gambia, Ethiopia, South Africa, Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Seychelles, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Algeria, and Angola.
Speaking at State House Nairobi on December 12, 2024, the President of Gambia, Adama Barrow, said that his country is fully behind Raila’s bid to become the next AUC chairman.
“I wish to announce that Gambia will support the candidature of our brother Raila Odinga,” President Barrow made the announcement at State House, Nairobi where he was hosted by President William Ruto.
In the past month, Raila has intensified his campaigns in West Africa, where he met the presidents of Chad, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Ghana, and Togo.
Raila has also met with foreign ministers from several West and North African countries.
In the broader Eastern Africa region, Raila recently met with the president of Eritrea.
As of the time of publishing this article, Raila has headed to Southern Africa, marking the final leg of his cross-Africa campaign.
