Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga expressed confidence about winning the upcoming African Union Commission chairmanship elections next week. During his Saturday address, he highlighted the broad support he anticipates from African leaders for his bid to lead the continental body.
Odinga has conducted extensive diplomatic outreach across Africa, meeting with Heads of State and government to present his vision for the continent. He emphasized his commitment to collaborative leadership aimed at improving living conditions for African citizens. "We have traveled the whole of Africa, met leaders, and talked to them about our vision for our continent, Africa for Africa, which is my agenda, and I am confident I will be elected AUC chairman," Odinga stated.
The race features three contenders: Odinga, Djibouti's Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and Madagascar's Richard Randriamandrato. These candidates participated in a televised debate on December 13, 2024, where each presented their strategies for African transformation through the AU Mandate and Africa's Agenda 2063.
The election aims to select a successor to Chad's Moussa Faki at the 38th AU summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The voting process will unfold on February 15 and 16, following the election of AU Commissioners on February 12 and 13. The electoral procedure requires candidates to secure a two-thirds majority, with the successful candidate needing support from 33 of the 55 eligible African Union member states.
Should any candidate fail to achieve the required majority, the voting continues until one candidate reaches this threshold. The winner will take charge of implementing crucial continental initiatives and fostering cooperation among African nations.
Odinga has conducted extensive diplomatic outreach across Africa, meeting with Heads of State and government to present his vision for the continent. He emphasized his commitment to collaborative leadership aimed at improving living conditions for African citizens. "We have traveled the whole of Africa, met leaders, and talked to them about our vision for our continent, Africa for Africa, which is my agenda, and I am confident I will be elected AUC chairman," Odinga stated.
The race features three contenders: Odinga, Djibouti's Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and Madagascar's Richard Randriamandrato. These candidates participated in a televised debate on December 13, 2024, where each presented their strategies for African transformation through the AU Mandate and Africa's Agenda 2063.
The election aims to select a successor to Chad's Moussa Faki at the 38th AU summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The voting process will unfold on February 15 and 16, following the election of AU Commissioners on February 12 and 13. The electoral procedure requires candidates to secure a two-thirds majority, with the successful candidate needing support from 33 of the 55 eligible African Union member states.
Should any candidate fail to achieve the required majority, the voting continues until one candidate reaches this threshold. The winner will take charge of implementing crucial continental initiatives and fostering cooperation among African nations.
