Raila Odinga, Kenya’s candidate for the upcoming February 2025 African Union Commission (AUC) Chairmanship contest, has vowed to strengthen Pan-African unity and strengthen the region’s economic transformation, should he clinch the position.

In a statement shared on Monday, September 9, 2024, to celebrate African Union Day, Raila underscored the need for recognizing the challenges Africa continues to face as a continent, and the work needed in building “the Africa We Want”.

This, Raila says, will help realise Africa’s vision and goals articulated in the continental development framework – Agenda 2063.

Raila on AU member states

Raila has also promised to work closely with AU member states to build on efforts to make Africa a continent where every African has the opportunity to thrive.

“As we celebrate the strides that we have made towards unity, political and socio-economic liberation as outlined in the Sirte Declaration, we must recognize the challenges we continue to face as a continent and the work that lies ahead in building the Africa We Want, to realize the vision and goals articulated in the continental development framework – Agenda 2063,” Raila’s statement reads in part.

“If elected to become the next African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson, my goal in collaboration with Heads of State and Government will be to enhance and accelerate efforts to make AU a people-centered organization, to effectively serve the interests of all African citizens. I will also work closely with member states to build onto efforts to make Africa a continent where every African has the opportunity to thrive.”

According to Raila, the region’s Pan-African solidarity can be strengthened if the AU member states choose to work together.

The former Prime Minister further states that Africa can become a peaceful and financially independent continent with a robust economy if the member states unite.

“Working together, we can strengthen our Pan-African solidarity, build a continent where peace prevails, an integrated continent with a robust economy, financially independent, and a continent where the beauty of our cultural diversity is celebrated. Happy African Union Day!” Raila said.

Happy African Union Day! pic.twitter.com/1kEVgKiIqq

— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) September 9, 2024

Raila’s AUC campaign

Raila has since kicked off campaigns for the AUC chairmanship seat.

Last week, the ODM party leader accompanied President William Ruto to China.

During the visit, Ruto used the opportunity to campaign for Raila’s bid for the AUC chairmanship.

Both leaders held discussions with several African heads of state, including Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé (Togo), Assimi Goita (Mali), Paul Kagame (Rwanda), Umaro Sissoco Embalo (Guinea-Bissau), Mahamat Idriss Deby (Chad), and Hakainde Hichilema (Zambia).

Notably, four of the leaders they met are from francophone African countries, which are seen as key battlegrounds for Raila’s campaign.

Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign & Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi is currently in Windhoek, Namibia, for the Mid-Term Review (MTR) meeting on several bilateral issues, where he is also set to campaign for Raila.

Raila’s competitors

Raila’s main rival for the AUC position is Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, who is believed to enjoy strong support from several francophone nations.

Raila’s candidacy also faces competition from Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato and Mauritius’ Anil Kumarsingh Gayan. However, Raila is banking on support from regional leaders such as Yoweri Museveni (Uganda), Samia Suluhu Hassan (Tanzania), Salva Kiir (South Sudan), Paul Kagame (Rwanda), as well as Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa.

At the launch of his candidacy in Nairobi, which was attended by several regional heads of state and former presidents, Raila underscored the need for continent-wide support, noting that he needs backing from at least 34 heads of state to secure the AUC chairmanship.