Kagame Endorses Raila’s Candidacy for African Union Commission Chairperson.

By Samuel Ouma

Rwandan President Paul Kagame has endorsed Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga's candidature for Chairperson of the African Union Commission.

Speaking to a local television station, President Kagame said Raila is the right candidate to succeed the incumbent, Mousa Faki, whose tenure is ending.

The Rwandan leader cited the former Prime Minister's amazing record when he served as the AU High Representative for Infrastructure Development.

"I respect Raila Odinga. I know his struggles. He did a good job as the African Union High Representative for Infrastructure Development. We give him our support and wish him well now and when he is there as the chair for Africa to succeed," said President Kagame.

The announcement comes just a few days after the veteran Kenyan politician met Kagame in Kigali, Rwanda, on March 8, 2024.

“Had an insightful conversation with President Paul Kagame in Kigali, diving into regional and Pan African ideals. We are committed to African unity and solidarity for shared prosperity and progress,” said Raila.

Kagame has joined Presidents William Ruto (Kenya), Yoweri Museveni (Uganda), Suluhu Samia (Tanzania), Salva Kiir (South Sudan), Felix Tshisekedi (DRC) and Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa in supporting Raila’s bid for the AU top job.