President Museveni endorses Odinga's AU Commission chairmanship bid

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NAIROBI - President Kaguta Museveni is among regional and Africa leaders who gathered in Nairobi on Tuesday for the official launch of  Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairmanship.  

The event at State House Nairobi was hosted by Dr. William Ruto, the President of the Republic of Kenya.

Other leaders at the event to endorse Odinga included: Presidents; H.E Samia Suluhu of Tanzania, Salva Kiir of South Sudan, Gervais Ndirakobuca, Prime Minister of Burundi, plus Rwanda’s Foreign Affairs Minister Gen. James Kabarebe, who represented President Paul Kagame.

President Yoweri Museveni underscored the necessity of patriotism and Pan-Africanism for Africa’s prosperity, citing historical instances where internal divisions led to the decline of previously successful African initiatives against external threats. (Credit: PPU)

Former Presidents; Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania and  Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria also endorsed the bid.

During a televised event, President Museveni reflected on his extensive involvement in African struggles since the 1960s, emphasising the critical need for accurate diagnosis in political management to address the continent’s challenges.

He underscored the necessity of patriotism and Pan-Africanism for Africa’s prosperity, citing historical instances where internal divisions led to the decline of previously successful African initiatives against external threats.

Highlighting the essence of leadership, President Museveni stated that the role of AUC Chairperson requires vision, conviction, and knowledge.

Uganda's President, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (L) and Raila Odinga. (Credit: PPU)

He passionately advocated for a united Africa, asserting that collective strength among leaders is essential for the continent's progress.

In a release from the Presidential Press Unit, Museveni addressed the ongoing issue of poverty in Africa, describing it as a significant barrier since 1965 that has hindered the continent's growth and led to dependency.

Expressing his confidence in Raila Odinga, President Museveni remarked, “I’m here to support the candidature of Raila Odinga on behalf of Uganda because he’s a convinced Pan-Africanist.”

He emphasised that leadership is not merely about career progression but is about embodying vision and conviction.

Museveni also highlighted the need for improved infrastructure and peace, defining these as strategic prerequisites for achieving universal unity within the region and Africa.

President William Samoei Ruto expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the heads of state who positively responded to his invitation, urging the entire continent to rally behind Mr. Raila Odinga's candidacy.

While unveiling Raila's candidacy, Ruto referred to Raila as an ideal candidate for the seat. 

He described Kenya’s opposition leader as a distinguished statesman and a true Pan-Africanist.

“Raila does not only possess the requisite credentials, but he is also the ideal candidate to lead the African Union Commission. He possesses the professional capacity and experience to lead the commission.

He has a sterling reputation as a zealous Pan-African who has consistently demonstrated a strong faith in Africa's possibilities," Ruto said.

“We believe that offering a highly qualified, experienced and competent candidate to lead the AUC is perfectly consistent with our commitment to the transformation of our continent through our institutions of Pan-African unity.

Excellences, I present to you a visionary Pan-African, a bold and wise leader, a professional and technocrat as well as a towering statesman and veteran mobiliser for positive change,"

Raila embodies extensive experience and a deep understanding of both African affairs and global dynamics. These  qualities are crucial for leading the African Union farther into the centre of global affairs and closer to the hearts of the people," Ruto added.

Kenya Ruto welcomes President Yoweri Museveni. (Credit: PPU)

I am grateful for Presidents Ruto, Museveni, Suluhu, Kiir, Kagame, Ndayishimiye, Kikwete, and Obasanjo's support, encouragement and endorsement as we roll out my AUC campaign. Together, we can and will create a peaceful, progressive, and prosperous Africa, reads a post on Odinga’s social site X.

While addressing the delegation, Odinga shared his aspiration for a united and prosperous Africa characterized by peace and sustainable growth.

“I am a lion living in the jungle, sitting on African minerals and at the bankside of Africa to transform all into wealth for the benefit of all Africans,” he stated.

Kenya's President, Dr. William Ruto (L) and Raila Odinga. (Credit: PPU)

Odinga articulated his commitment to a transformative mandate that aims to enhance freedom and prosperity throughout the continent.

Emphasising the importance of partnerships with heads of state, Odinga called for a focus on people-centred initiatives that restore hope by enhancing intra-African trade and achieving financial independence for all nations.

He noted that Africa can only thrive through unity, as envisioned by its forefathers by developing infrastructure, eliminating visa restrictions, and facilitating communication and transport, particularly for landlocked countries.

Odinga highlighted the continent’s capacity to reverse negative trends and reclaim its glory through effective resource management.

He shared his commitment to mobilising the African people to tackle conflicts, address climate change challenges and promote Pan-Africanism as a pathway to lasting prosperity.

“Pan-Africanism will turn potential into prosperity for generations to come. We must seize the moment for the African Union Agenda 2063,” Rt. Hon. Odinga asserted.

He also emphasised the imperative for institutional reforms to unify Africa and create inclusive opportunities, stating that transformation should begin in Kenya.

He raised concerns about growing threats to cybersecurity and reaffirmed that Pan-Africanism is foundational for democratic change. He displayed faith in his vision and credentials, positioning himself as a bold leader, capable of driving positive change and empowering Africa on the global stage.

Museveni also highlighted the need for improved infrastructure and peace, defining these as strategic prerequisites for achieving universal unity within the region and Africa. (Credit: PPU)

AU's top post:

Four senior African politicians — from Djibouti, Kenya, Madagascar and Mauritius — have thrown their hat into the ring to take over the AU's top post.

The African Union lists the four candidates as Mahamoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti, Raila Odinga of Kenya, Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar and Anil Gayan of Mauritius.

The pan-continental body, which has 55 member states, will hold elections at its summit in February 2025 to choose a successor to Moussa Faki Mahamat as chair of the AUC.

ganda's President, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (L) and Kenya's Dr. William Ruto. (Credit: PPU)

This year, the role is reserved for a representative from East Africa to replace Faki, a veteran politician from Chad who has served since 2017.

The chairperson of the AU Commission is the chief executive officer, legal representative of the AU and the commission's chief accounting officer and is elected by the assembly for a four-year term, renewable once.

The election  (February 2025) for the AU candidate will be conducted by secret ballot, and the winner must secure a majority of two-thirds of the vote among eligible member states.