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Former nominated Senator Millicent Omanga has showered former Prime Minister Raila Odinga with praise following his performance at the Mjadala Afrika debate in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Friday, December 13, 2024.

In a statement, Omanga indicated that Raila’s eloquence stood out during the televised debate where he faced his rivals for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship race.

The former nominee Senator also lauded Raila for his handling of various questions raised by the two moderators, Canada-based Ghanian Anita Erskine, the Executive Director of Erskine Global Communications, and Algerian journalist Fatima Charef.

“Raila Odinga has demonstrated to the entire continent why he’s the best in this race for AUC chairmanship. The eloquence and the impressive ease with which he tackled questions is clear proof that he understands the job very well,” Omanga’s message read in part.

Challenges Raila’s opponents

Following Raila’s performance during the debate, Omanga challenged Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and Madagascar’s former Foreign Minister Richard James Randriamandrato to drop out of the race in favour of Kenya’s former prime minister.

Raila argued that Raila exemplified excellence which was proof enough that he was going to be voted in as the next AUC chairperson in February 2025, succeeding the incumbent Moussa Faki Mahamat of Chad.

“His opponents too did well, but in this race, they’ve no choice but to throw in the towel or be crushed! I’m not kidding,” she added.

Hon. Raila Odinga has demonstrated to the entire continent why he's the best in this race for AUC chairmanship. The eloquence and the impressive ease with which he tackled questions is clear proof that he understands the job very well. His opponents too did well, but in this… pic.twitter.com/WEDv6ddn2o

— Hon Millicent Omanga (@MillicentOmanga) December 13, 2024

Key debate highlights

During the Mjadala Afrika debate in Addis Ababa, Raila raised key pertinent issues which he maintained are key to transforming the continent.

He revealed plans to lobby for Africa to get two permanent seats at the United Nations Security Council should he become the African Union Commission Chairperson in February 2025.

Raila explained that Africa should have representation within the council to promote the continent’s interests when discussing global security.

He added that the two members must have veto powers to stop proposed resolutions from becoming operational.

“This is long overdue. UN was formed at a time when most African countries were colonies and that’s why it doesn’t deal with the realities of today,” Raila stated.

“In a situation where 5 countries have veto powers and Africa is not represented is not tenable. We’re going to insist Africa get 2 permanent seats in the Security Council. We cannot be excluded when Europe has 3 seats. Permanent representations with veto powers is a must,” he added.

Besides pushing for UN Security Council representation, Raila also announced plans to review the financial architecture if elected to succeed Faki.

He explored options for alternative financing that would enable African countries to create a pool of funds to borrow from at low interest rates. Raila lamented that loans with high interest rates are more detrimental to most African countries and thus pushed for its review.

“The international financing structure has worked against Africa because countries borrow at high interest rates compared to other nations. We need to address this issue. Africa is the richest in terms of resources but it’s also the poorest in terms of living conditions,” he remarked.

He further insisted that Africa needs to find a lasting solution to various conflicts in various parts of the continent.

Africa must silence the guns; peace and stability for prosperity. #Raila4Africa pic.twitter.com/63ZMrvpLk9

— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) December 13, 2024