“I signed off my AUC chair application documents, we are focused on bringing the seat home for Kenya and serving the African people,” Raila announced on X.
Azimio leader Raila Odinga finalizing his AUC application, accompanied by Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei and Azimio spokesperson Makau Mutua on July 27, 2024. PHOTO: Raila Odinga / X
In Summary:
1) The AU Commission has set August 6 as the deadline for chairperson candidacies.
2) Raila Odinga expresses confidence in winning the AU chairmanship, supported by President Ruto and a dedicated campaign team.
3) Raila highlights his commitment to unity, peace, and development in his bid for the AU chair.
Azimio leader Raila Odinga expressed confidence in his bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship as he signed his application documents. The AUC has set August 6, 2024, as the deadline for submitting candidacies to succeed Moussa Faki.
Each candidate must submit a curriculum vitae (CV) in six languages: English, Arabic, French, Portuguese, Spanish, and Kiswahili.
“I signed off my AUC chair application documents, we are focused on bringing the seat home for Kenya and serving the African people,” Raila announced on X.
Present at the signing were Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei, Azimio spokesperson Makau Mutua, and Raila’s wife, Mama Ida Odinga.
I signed off my AUC Chair application documents, we are focused on bringing the seat home for Kenya and serving the African people. pic.twitter.com/NDi9OcrLc5
— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) July 27, 2024
President William Ruto supports Raila’s candidacy and has organized a campaign team led by Foreign and Diaspora Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi to garner regional and continental backing.
At the East African Community (EAC) ministerial retreat on July 7, Mudavadi emphasized Raila’s credentials and experience, urging EAC member states to support his bid.
“We believe and are certain that this is the time for our region to produce the chairperson who will be at the helm of the continental leadership,” Mudavadi said.
Ruto’s administration is committed to ensuring Raila secures the prestigious position, promising extensive diplomatic efforts.
Over the first weekend of July, Raila met with EAC ministers for foreign affairs in Zanzibar to discuss his vision for the continent.
“I stand before you as a candidate deeply committed to the principles of unity, peace, and development,” Raila stated, highlighting the importance of regional representation within the African Union.