Togo govt reveals what President Gnassingbe discussed with Raila Odinga

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Saturday, November 23, 2024
4:37 pm

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The government of Togo has revealed what President Faure Gnassingbe discussed with Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga.

The former Prime Minister is on a tour of the West African region in a bid to consolidate his bid for the African Union Commission chairmanship. Togo was one of his stopovers, and he met with President Gnassingbe and discussed matters touching on different issues.

Topics of discussion

“At the centre of the discussions was the political and security situation in Africa, as well as the challenges of economic and social development on the continent.

“The two personalities notably addressed several issues relating to infrastructure, intra-African trade, visa facilitation, climate change, culture, and transport. Moreover, on this point, the Kenyan official congratulated the Head of State for his leadership in the operationalization of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM),” a statement from the Togolese presidency said.

Raila made a case for the integration of the youth in areas including artificial intelligence.

“We also believe that it is possible to offer opportunities to young people, particularly in the areas of artificial intelligence and ICT,” Raila is quoted as saying.

The statement added that the former Lang’ata Member of Parliament asked the Togolese government to support his AUC candidature.

“Finally, Raila Odinga officially requested Togo’s support for his candidacy for the presidency of the Commission of the African Union (AU), one of the main organs of the continental body,” the statement concluded.

Raila said his meetings with Gnassingbe were fruitful.

“I had fruitful deliberations with President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo on the opportunities, challenges, and possible solutions to issues facing the African continent.

“My engagement with leaders across the continent is part of my outreach programme to rally support for my African Union Chairperson bid,” Raila said in a post on X on Saturday, November 23, 2024.

The ODM supremo also held a key meeting in Accra, Ghana.

“I was hosted by the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat (@AfCFTA) in Accra. I am happy to note the progress made in the treaty’s implementation with 48 AU Member States ratifying the Agreement.