President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania and President William Samoei Ruto of Kenya at the campaign launch for Raila Odinga, former Kenyan Prime Minister and AU Chairperson candidate, at State House Nairobi on August 27, 2024.Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
In a significant show of support, six East African Community (EAC) leaders have come together to back former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga in his bid for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC). Among them, President Samia Suluhu Hassan's endorsement is particularly noteworthy.
She has publicly praised Odinga’s commitment to Pan-Africanism and his proven track record in championing democratic reforms. President Hassan’s backing highlights a shared regional vision for a united and progressive Africa, reflecting her confidence in Odinga’s ability to lead the AUC with integrity and strategic foresight. Her support highlights a growing regional consensus on the need for strong leadership at the continental level.
During a widely publicized event in Nairobi that quickly went viral across major media outlets, leaders from Burundi, Kenya, South Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda united in their endorsement of Raila Odinga, emphasizing his extensive experience and visionary leadership as indispensable qualities for guiding the African Union Commission.
Kenyan President William Ruto, speaking at the event, emphasized Odinga’s credentials, calling him a “visionary leader” with the “professional capacity and experience” to lead the AUC at a time when Africa faces numerous challenges. Ruto's unreserved endorsement was echoed by other leaders who believe Odinga's leadership will be pivotal in addressing the pressing issues confronting the continent.
"Kenya endorses Raila Odinga's candidacy unreservedly, and we commit wholeheartedly to supporting his candidature, his vision, and his leadership," said Ruto. He added that the role at the AUC is not merely a political assignment but a noble cause that could bring freedom, democracy, stability, and prosperity to Africa. According to Ruto, Odinga’s reputation as a staunch pan-Africanist who believes deeply in Africa's potential makes him the ideal candidate for the AUC chairmanship.
Odinga’s candidacy comes at a critical juncture as the current AUC Chairperson, Chad’s Moussa Faki, is set to finish his second term in February 2025. With the seat soon to be vacant, the race for the next leader of the African Union is heating up, and Odinga is poised as a formidable contender.
Speaking at the event, Odinga committed to transforming the African Union into a people-centered organization, one that truly reflects the aspirations and needs of its citizens. He outlined his vision of tackling the continent's most pressing issues, such as conflicts, hunger, poverty, violent extremism, and the adverse effects of climate change. His approach includes eliminating visa requirements within African countries, removing trade barriers, and ensuring that Africa benefits fully from its rich mineral resources.
Odinga’s pledge to make the African Union more inclusive and responsive resonates with many across the continent. His promise to critically analyze existing proposals for reforms and strengthen the capacity of the AUC has been seen as a bold step toward rejuvenating the organization. His competitors in the race include Mahmoud Youssouf of Djibouti, Anil Gayan of Mauritius, and Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar, but Odinga’s longstanding political experience and his commitment to Pan-Africanism set him apart.
The significance of these elections cannot be understated. The African Union, which serves as the continent’s primary organization for political and economic integration, is at a crossroads. With challenges such as governance, economic disparities, and security threats, the next AUC chairperson will play a crucial role in steering the continent toward stability and growth. For Africa, which has endured a history of colonization, internal conflicts, and economic exploitation, the leadership of the AUC represents an opportunity to shape its future on the global stage.
Political scientists and scholars across Africa have weighed in on Odinga’s candidacy, emphasizing that his deep understanding of the political landscape in Africa and his commitment to democracy make him an ideal candidate for the role.
Professor John Ouma of Makerere University notes that Odinga’s leadership could be instrumental in addressing the governance challenges that have plagued many African countries. “Raila Odinga has consistently shown that he is not only a politician but a statesman who understands the complexities of Africa’s challenges. His leadership at the AUC could usher in a new era of political and economic integration,” Ouma remarked.
Similarly, Dr. Grace Kimani, a political scientist from the University of Nairobi, believes that Odinga’s track record in advocating for democracy and good governance aligns with the values that the African Union seeks to promote. “Odinga’s vision for a people-centered African Union is precisely what the continent needs at this moment. His ability to build consensus and foster cooperation among African leaders will be crucial in navigating the challenges ahead,” said Dr. Kimani.
The coming months will be pivotal as African leaders deliberate on their choice for the next AUC chairperson. With key regional leaders such as Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Uganda's Yoweri Museveni, and South Sudan’s Salva Kiir already expressing their support, Odinga’s campaign has gained significant momentum.
Although Rwandan President Paul Kagame sent a representative instead of attending in person, his government’s tacit endorsement further solidifies the broad support Odinga is receiving within the region.
As the African Union prepares for this transition in leadership, the decision to back Odinga reflects a collective desire for strong, visionary leadership capable of addressing the continent's myriad challenges. If elected, Odinga’s tenure could mark a turning point in Africa’s journey toward greater unity, stability, and prosperity, making him a candidate to watch in the race for the AUC chairmanship.