President William Ruto has voiced strong support for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union (AU) Chairmanship.
Speaking at the East African Community (EAC) inter-parliamentary sports games, attended by regional officials and leaders, President Ruto praised Raila’s leadership and experience, emphasizing that his candidacy would elevate East Africa’s influence both on the continent and globally.
“Raila Odinga, Kenya’s former Prime Minister, is running for the position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC).
His extensive experience, unwavering commitment to pan-Africanism, and dedication to regional integration make him the ideal candidate to lead the African Union at this critical juncture,” President Ruto stated.
He called on all EAC partner states to unite behind Raila’s bid, highlighting that such collective support would amplify East Africa’s voice, strengthen its position on the African continent, and advance the region’s shared goals.
Raila is seeking to succeed Moussa Faki Mahamat, whose tenure is set to end.
The elections for the AUC Chairmanship are scheduled for February 25, 2025.
Raila’s candidacy was officially launched in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in November, where he outlined his vision and strategic priorities for Africa’s socio-economic transformation.
This platform allowed him to engage with key African Union stakeholders, build partnerships, and present his agenda for advancing the continent.
On Wednesday, Raila will participate in a crucial live debate against his main rivals Anil Gayan from Mauritius, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf from Djibouti, and Richard Randriamandrato from Madagascar.
This will be the first debate among the AUC candidates since they declared their intentions to succeed Moussa Faki.
The debate, known as Mjadala Afrika, will give candidates the opportunity to share their vision for Africa’s transformation.
It will also allow African citizens and stakeholders to directly engage with the candidates, asking them questions.
The event will take place in Addis Ababa and will be broadcast in all six of the AU’s official languages: English, French, Arabic, Portuguese, Spanish, and Kiswahili.
The debate will be moderated in both French and English, offering a platform for candid and diverse discussions on the future leadership of the African Union.
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