Raila Odinga Formally Declares Interest in AU topmost job


Firebrand opposition and Azimio la Umoja Coalition leader Raila Odinga on Thursday, 15th Feb, officially declared his intention to go for the African Union Commission chairmanship job. This alongside former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo during a press conference in Nairobi. Obasanjo, who is AU Special Envoy said the AU is looking for the right person to take over from the current chair Moussa Faki Mahamat whose tenure ends in March next year. 

Obasanjo said there is so much that needs to be corrected in Africa and that the AU will need a suitable person to head the organization. 

"There is much more that is wrong with Africa today. In my part of the continent, West Africa is riddled with governments that were not installed through constitutional means. The area is riddled with insecurity, poverty, unemployment and you can say a similar thing for this part of Africa," he said. 

He added that if the AU is to serve its purpose in solving the continent's problems, it will need the right person at the right time. 

"We need a person with experience, a person who understands the situation we are in and a person who comes from a background that can make a difference," Obasanjo said. 

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo with ODM party leader Raila Odinga in Karen on February 15, 2024


"We believe people who have held positions of head of government as prime minister or president will be the right people at this particular time to hold the AUC position," he added. 

Raila Odinga said that he has consulted widely before arriving at the decision. He also shared his discontentment with the state of affairs in African countries which ironically are rich in resources.

"Should the leadership of Africa ant my services I am ready and offer myself to be of service to this continent. I'm ready yes to go for the chairmanship of the African Union," said Odinga. 

He added that his tenure as AU Special Envoy for infrastructure gave him an opportunity to be well versed with each African country therefore well suited for the top job.

"Serving as the AU High Representative for Infrastructure gave me the advantage of learning about each African Country. I believe by working together, we can emancipate Africa," Odinga said.



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