AUC CHAIRMANSHIP: Why Samia backs Odinga

NAIROBI, Kenya: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan on Tuesday outlined the reasons why former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga is the ideal candidate for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson position.

Speaking at the official unveiling of Odinga’s bid at Nairobi State House, President Samia expressed Tanzania’s full endorsement of his candidacy.

“Tanzania knows Odinga as a PanAfricanist leader who not only believes in African integration but also in its practicality,” she said.

She further highlighted Odinga’s longstanding relationships with Tanzanian leaders and other African heads of state, noting that he is held in high esteem by his peers across the continent.

President Samia further said Odinga has expertise in addressing Africa’s development challenges, particularly in nfrastructure.

“Engineer Odinga knows full well what our union needs to do to bridge the infrastructure gaps critical to unlocking Africa’s potential,” she said.

She also expressed personal confidence in his ability to advance African development priorities, calling him a wise statesman capable of transforming the African Union’s vision into tangible outcomes.

“With Odinga, we envision an African Union that is stronger, championing Africa’s socioeconomic development and ensuring Africa’s voice is at the centre of global discussions,” she stated.

She affirmed Tanzania’s full support for Odinga’s candidacy, adding, “Baba anatosha, acha agombee” (Baba is enough, let him contest).

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The event, hosted by Kenyan President William Ruto, saw the participation of other East African leaders, signalling strong regional backing for Odinga’s bid.

Among those present were EAC Chairman and South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit and Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni. Rwanda’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, James Kabarebe and Burundian Prime Minister Gervais Ndirakobuca also attended.

Former Presidents Jakaya Kikwete and Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria were also in attendance, underscoring the continental support for Odinga’s bid. Museveni expressed his support for Odinga, calling him a true Pan-Africanist capable of leading Africa into economic prosperity.

“Raila is not vying to advance his career but because he is a true leader and the point man for Africa’s unity,” Museveni said.

Odinga will face off against Djibouti’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Mahmoud Youssouf, Anil Gayan of Mauritius and Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar in the February 2025 AUC elections. So far, Odinga has received support from 19 countries and will need 34 votes to secure the post in the first round of voting.

In his speech, Raila said he intends to make the AUC a people-centred organisation and will work with all heads of state to achieve this.

“If elected chairman, I propose to utilise the transition period to critically analyse the existing proposals for reforms and building capacity of the AU Commission. The ultimate aim is to follow up on the implementation of the reports so far formulated,” he said at the ceremony.

Raila pledged to preside over a united Africa and not one divided by regions. However, he acknowledged the challenges he has to confront if elected.

“Unfortunately, even as we rise, our continent still grapples with emerging challenges and vulnerabilities including identity conflicts and wars, hunger, poverty, violent extremism, adverse climate change, acute unemployment among our youth, transboundary pandemics and infectious diseases such as mpox and other threats to human security and dignity,” he said.

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Kenya President William Ruto urged other African countries to support Raila, as he launched the secretariat that will oversee his former rival’s campaign. Ruto praised Raila, saying he would serve all Africans and bring the people of the continent together.

“The assignment we are called upon to undertake at the African Union is the work of all Africans for all Africans and a noble course to bring our people and nations in touch with the glorious future we all deserve.” Ruto said the endorsement of East African and other leaders highlights a unified acknowledgment of Raila’s leadership qualities.