Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has expressed his desire to head the African Union Commission (AUC) in order to implement significant changes across the continent.
Speaking during a gathering with the Sakwa clan on Saturday, September 7, 2024, Raila explained that he is vying for the AUC chairmanship because he believes Africa is not performing to its full potential on the global stage.
Raila on Africa
He emphasized that African nations should assert their influence more effectively, stating that China should be coming to Africa for engagement, not the other way around.
“I want to head to the AUC because I believe Africa is punching below its weight. Africa can do better. Why should African leaders go to China? The Chinese should be the ones coming to Africa. This is one of the things I want to reverse,” Raila remarked.
His comments follow a recent trip to China, where he accompanied President William Ruto. 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.
Raila’s rivals
His 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.
