AUC campaigns: Raila meets Lesotho PM hours after holding talks with South African president

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga held discussions with Lesotho’s Prime Minister, Sam Matekane, about his bid for the African Union chairmanship, shortly after meeting South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Raila was hosted by Matekane in Maseru.

In a statement shared on his X account on Thursday, January 16, 2025, Raila announced that Lesotho had pledged support for his bid.

“The day has ended well for us in Lesotho, where Rt. Hon. Sam Matekane @MatekaneSam, the Prime Minister, has hosted us in Maseru. Thank you for your time and the opportunity to share my vision if elected the African Union Commission Chairperson.”

Earlier in the day, the seasoned politician had held similar discussions with South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa in Pretoria.

In a separate statement, Raila highlighted that their discussions revolved around his vision for Africa and that Ramaphosa gave him ample time to outline the 10 priority areas anchoring his manifesto.

The former Prime Minister has met with over five heads of state this week alone, intensifying his efforts to secure support from member countries ahead of the upcoming polls.

On Thursday, January 16, 2025, Raila also met with Duma Boko, the President of Botswana, who hosted him at the State House in Gaborone.

Raila expressed gratitude to Boko and suggested he had gained Botswana’s support after presenting his manifesto, which outlines a vision for a prosperous and united Africa.

Just a day earlier, on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, the retired Kenyan Prime Minister met Dr. Nangolo Mbumba, the President of Namibia.

In his statement, Raila lauded Nangolo for aligning with his vision of an Africa poised to thrive beyond its challenges.

“We thank H.E. President Dr. Nangolo Mbumba of Namibia for hosting us at the State House in Windhoek. We used the opportunity to discuss our African agenda and my African Union chairmanship candidacy.”

Elections near homestretch

AUC elections are slated for February 2025 during the African Union Summit.

Raila will be up against two other candidates: Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mahamoud Ali Youssouf and former Madagascar’s Foreign Affairs Minister Richard Randriamandrato.

The three contenders outlined their manifestos on December 13, 2024, during a televised debate dubbed Mjadala Afrika in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Raila, who appeared exceptionally prepared, used the platform to articulate his vision and agenda for Africa, aiming to persuade AU member states to back his bid on Election Day.