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President William Ruto has secured an endorsement for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC).

In a statement on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, the Head of State announced that Togo’s President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbe had promised to support Raila’s candidature.

“President Gnassingbé pledged his support for Raila Odinga’s candidature for the African Union Commission chairperson,” Ruto stated.

While campaigning for Raila, President Ruto told his Togo counterpart that African reforms could only be achieved through a concerted effort and multisector dialogue.

He maintained that all stakeholders must be brought on board to brainstorm their ideas which accelerate the continent’s development agenda.

The two leaders met ahead of the inauguration of President John Mahama in Ghana.

“Africa’s future will be shaped by inclusive dialogue among all stakeholders on the continent’s transformation agenda,” Ruto added.

“This includes reforms of the African Union, peace and security, and continental integration to enhance the private sector’s role in development under the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement.”

Africa’s future will be shaped by inclusive dialogue among all stakeholders on the continent’s transformation agenda.

This includes reforms of the African Union, peace and security, and continental integration to enhance the private sector's role in development under the African… pic.twitter.com/4tgUg4ydPN

— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) January 7, 2025

AUC Elections

The endorsement comes as Raila enters the final stretch for the AUC chairmanship bid campaign.

He has so far received support from DRC, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Burundi, South Sudan, Guinea-Bissau, Angola and Algeria among others.

The former Prime Minister will lock horns with Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and Madagascar’s former Foreign Minister Richard James Randriamandrato.

In December 2024 during the East African games, Ruto intensified campaigns for Raila arguing that his vast experience, dedication to pan-African ideals and commitment to fostering integration make him an excellent candidate to lead the African Union Commission.

He expressed confidence that Raila’s leadership would give the region and continent a stronger voice.

Consequently, he explained, the former prime minister will enable the EAC to champion its shared priorities, protect its interests and accelerate Africa’s development agenda.

“I call upon all EAC Partner States to rally behind his candidacy. A united East Africa supporting his bid will not only demonstrate our collective resolve but also affirm our commitment to shaping the future of our continent,” he stated.

The AUC elections are scheduled for February 2025 which will determine the next Chairperson who will succeed the incumbent Moussa Faki Mahamat