Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is sprinting in the last month of the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship campaign.

In his latest vote-hunting mission, Raila flew to the northern part of the continent in a bid to convince heads of state from that region to throw their weight behind his candidature.

On Wednesday, January 22, 2025, Raila landed in Algier, Algeria where he was welcomed by the country’s Prime Minister Nadir Larbaoui.

In a statement, Raila indicated that he shared his AUC vision with the Prime Minister and discussed other continental issues including the renewing of ties between the country and Kenya.

“I have been warmly received in Algiers, by the Rt Hon Nadir Larbaoui, the Prime Minister of Algeria. We’ve had an opportunity to discuss and renew our mutual relations as brotherly countries,” Raila’s statement read in part.

” I shared my vision for the African Union and the need to further strengthen Pan-Africanism for continental prosperity. Thank you Prime Minister,” it added.

Raila’s meeting in Algeria came amidst speculation on Djibout’s Foreign Minister Mahamoud Ali Youssouf. Unsubstantiated reports indicated that Ali Youssouf was contemplating dropping out of the race.

However, Raila intensified his campaigns in a bid to ascend to the biggest seat on the continent.

Raila remains optimistic

With the campaigns entering its homestretch, Raila has remained optimistic about emerging victorious during the February 2025 poll.

On Tuesday, January 21, 2025, Raila shared a video giving an update on his campaign and various heads of state he had met.

“It’s Africa’s Century. Thank you for your support,” Raila captioned the video.

His tour to the north came after he wrapped his back-to-back campaigns in the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC).

Raila traversed SADC countries including South Africa, Lesotho Namibia, Botswana and Mozambique as he ramped up his AUC campaigns.

Raila also held talks with Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa in a bid to win the votes from the south. In Mozambique, he was hosted by the newly sworn-in President Daniel Francisco Chapo where he also shared his vision.

It's Africa's Century. Thank you for your support pic.twitter.com/AcuuOmrW7D

— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) January 21, 2025