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President William has intensified his campaign for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship, holding several meeting meetings with various African leaders.

On Sunday, President Ruto met Ghana’s President-elect, John Mahama, whom he said had pledged his support for Raila’s candidacy. The endorsement, made during Mahama’s visit to Ruto’s Kilgoris residence, provides a significant boost to Raila ’s campaign ahead of the February vote.

“Hosted Ghana’s President-elect John Mahama, and discussed the expansion of intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area. Thanked him for declaring his support for Hon. Raila Odinga’s African Union Commission chairperson candidature,” Ruto stated on his social media account following an informal meeting.

On the eve of Christmas, the president played host to the outgoing AUC chairman Moussa Faki, who called on him at his home in Kilgoris, Narok county.

Their meeting is said to have centred on the wellness of the African continent, according to Ruto, who added that they deliberated on reforming the African Union’s structure to make it more effective and efficient in pursuing the continent’s interests.

Also on their agenda was the oncoming vote for the new AUC chairman in February 2025.

“We discussed, among other things, AU reforms and the upcoming election of the AUC chairperson, a post that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is running for,” Ruto posted on his X handle, formerly Twitter.

President Ruto’s meetings come just days after Raila traversed the continent seeking support from African Heads of State for the AUC seat in the elections slated for February 2025.

Pan-African ideals

In his continent-wide tour, the former premier visited Morocco, Gambia, South Africa, the Central African Republic, among others.
Raila’s campaign has focused on fostering unity, advancing sustainable development, and strengthening the AU’s institutional frameworks. His extensive political experience and commitment to Pan-Africanism have made him a formidable candidate, with endorsements from leaders such as former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo and several East African leaders.

These presidents have highlighted his credentials as a unifying force capable of addressing Africa’s pressing challenges.
In a press conference attended by AU Special Envoy and former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo, Raila said that he is ready to accept the challenge, and will offer himself to be of service.

“I am inclined to accept the challenge and I am ready and I offer myself to be of service. I have asked my friend (Obasanjo) to continue to be a good ambassador and talk to other people,” said Raila.

Raila a is vying to succeed outgoing AUC Chairperson Moussa Faki, whose term is set to end. The former Prime Minister has already secured endorsements from several Heads of State and is working to gain more backing in the final stretch of his campaign.

He will face competition from Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato.
The election for the new AUC Chairperson, reserved for candidates from the Eastern Africa bloc in accordance with AU regulations, will take place in February.

African Heads of State, under the AU treaty, will cast their votes to determine the next leader of the continental body.