Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga declared his interest in the position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission. The announcement took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia amidst a press briefing which had in attendance, diplomats, political leaders, and media.
Odinga is a veteran leader and long-time advocate of African unity. “I am ready to serve and give the leadership the African Union deserves,” he said. “My candidature is driven by the desire to contribute to a strong, united and prosperous Africa.”
A new AU Chairperson will be elected by the African Union in January 2025. The leading role of the Chairperson will set the trend for AU policy on peace, security, human rights, and development.
His candidacy has also been supported by other African heads of state and government. Minata Cissé, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, said Odinga was “a symbol of resilience and commitment to the development of Africa.” She added, “His aspiration for a peaceful and united Africa is in tandem with the goals of the AU.”
Odinga is very popular in the EAC, just like every other regional bloc of which Kenya is a member. He also boasts quite an appreciable level of leadership experience in Kenya and within Africa.
This sets him up against other renowned African leaders who have decades of experience in high-level diplomacy. Analysts predict a close race, and the AU needs a leader with the capacity to help deal with political instability, climate change, and economic problems right across the continent.
The AU Chairperson is elected by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, which comprises all the 55 member states. The election is set to be one of the most monitored globally.
