Hon Odinga Raila Odinga says he wants to transform the African Union into a people-centered organization
In prime position to serve as the next African Union Commission Chairman, Kenya’s emblematic opposition leader and one of Africa’s elder statesman Raila Odinga is resolute in his believe that Africa can do better. As part of his campaigns, Mr Odinga has met with over twenty heads of states and interacted with people of all walks of live as he measures the depths of challenges and how to put some spine for better results for an institution that has so far not lived to the expectations of many Africans.
From his own wealth of experiences and the outreach he has been doing, Odinga is clear eyed on what it will take to move the continent forward. Fielding questions from PAV ahead of the recent high profile official launch of his campaign in Nairobi Kenya, Raila Odinga shared his thoughts on issues ranging from integration, to infrastructure, the AU Agenda 2063, visas, energy, the African diaspora, and more.
Hon Raila Odinga, thanks for accepting to field questions from PAV, why the interest to run for the AUC Chairmanship at this moment, could you walk us through the thought process that led to your decision?
I have over the years developed a deep-rooted sense of African identity, extensive knowledge of the continent, and a well-known commitment to Pan-Africanism. Following my four (4) year tenure as the AU High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa, there is inside me a deep conviction that AFRICA CAN DO BETTER. At the end of my tenure as AU High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa, numerous friends, and especially African Leaders, have encouraged to consider continued service to Africa. It is therefore something I have given serious consideration and, consulted about extensively.
You have been crisscrossing the continent meeting with African leaders, what are these leaders telling you about the state of the AU and their expectations from the next AUC Chair?
I have over the years developed a deep-rooted sense of African identity, extensive knowledge of the continent, and a well-known commitment to Pan-Africanism, says Hon Odinga
From your own reading of the current state of the continent and vision, what are some of the priority areas or sectors that your leadership of the AUC will focus on?
In my application for the position of Chairperson of the AU Commission, I have prioritized five (5) issues:
-Ongoing institutional reforms within defined timelines and rationalized budgets.
-Ensuring that the AU is able to finance its own programs and operations. This is an enduring credibility concern for the African people.
-Meaningful and effective Implementation of AU Agenda 2063, through a robust program of Implementation of the next 10-year plan (2024-2034) AND, the full Implementation of of the AfCFTA including swift elimination of non-tariff barriers.
-Embark on an urgent program to build strong, global, strategic PARTNERSHIPS .....with the UN and the various regional organizations and institutions around the globe.
-Strengthen the African Peace and Security organ for sustainable and durable peace. This explicitly entails adequate investment in the continental peace and security architecture.
You previously served as High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa; may we know your legacy from this role and what are some lessons you drew from it on the depth of challenges facing the AU?
It was a great honour and privilege to serve as AU High Representative for Infrastructure. But keep in mind that my tenure also coincided with the global COVID pandemic.
I am proud of investing time, energy, and expertise in strengthening the efforts of the Commission in the implementation of the Program for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA ) , rallying political support from Member States and the Regional Economic Communities(RECs) to advance Africa's infrastructure development , connectivity and integration.
Hon Raila Odinga has a sterling reputation as a zealous Pan-African who has consistently demonstrated a strong faith in Africa’s possibilities, says Kenyan President William Ruto
In the last couple of years, there has been a surge in coups, especially in West and Central Africa, how concerned are you with this phenomenon especially with the growing fondness that many Africans now embrace these coups?
Yes, I am deeply concerned about the numerous coups (and attempted coups!) and, Elections that don't truly represent the will of the people.
Coups and Poor Elections management are symptoms of the challenges of maturing democracies, as well as the inability (thus far!) for many governments to fully internalize the value of GOOD GOVERNANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY. And you can see that all over the continent the majority Youth population are raising fundamental issues of governance and accountability. Furthermore, the AU must restore the Union's ability and stature in resolving and/or averting conflict.
A few years ago, the AU passport was launched in Rwanda to much fanfare, no one talks about it today, and travel across the continent for most Africans is very frustrating even for people like Aliko Dangote, how will Hon Odinga as AUC Chair address this?
The Aliko Dangote case is a sad statement of the failure of our Leaders to appreciate the value of regional trade and integration and, why we must remove the barriers to movement of people across borders in Africa. this is a matter that I will place high in my "to do list" once I get to Addis. It really is common sense that if we want to grow our economies, facilitate trade, and hasten regional integration, then our people must be able to move across borders without unnecessary restrictions and bureaucracies.
Considered as the 6th region of the AU, there is so much cacophony and frustration within the ranks of diaspora when it comes to its role, what is your vision when it comes to engagement between the continent and its diaspora?
Yes, the AU declared our Diaspora as the AUs 6th Region. A good first step. But what have we done to ensure that the incredibly RESOURCEFUL Diaspora is fully integrated into our Agenda 2063! What systems, mechanisms, and institutions have we put in place to meaningfully make the Diaspora an integral part of our continent's development? I raise these questions and concerns because this is the feedback my team and I are getting from our engagement with Diaspora groups. The answers to some of these questions will be the bases of a comprehensive program of engagement that we shall develop with Diaspora groups.
Raila Odinga says a thorough evaluation will be done in view of a comprehensive program of engagement with the Diaspora
Should you win, you maybe taking over at a time of great turmoil around the world Israel and Palestine, Russia and Ukraine, the debate on fossils versus renewable energy and so on, where do you see Africa on these global challenges?
GLOBAL TURMOIL
As mentioned earlier, the AU must step up and be counted in matters global. You have mentioned specifically the conflicts of Israel-Palestine, as well as Ukraine-Russia. And while this may not be the right forum to address these crisis, suffice it to say that the AU must stand up and support MULTILATERALISM.
But don't forget that right here in Africa we have the world’s most urgent Refugee Crisis in the Sudan. The Sudan is an example of multilateralism being sidelined by parochial, vested interests.
FOSSIL FUELS/ RENEWABLE ENERGY
You have heard me state on numerous occasions that despite being the least contributor to global warming, Africa suffers the most from the effects of Climate Change.
Yes, it is time to phase out fossil fuels if we are to save the planet. But this transition to renewables must be a just transition to allow Africa to exploit some of its natural resources as we prioritise manufacturing and value addition to create jobs for our people, create wealth, and grow our economies.
Even more importantly, you have heard me say on numerous occasions that Africa must harness our renewable energy sources of hydro, solar, geothermal, and wind to to ensure that our people have access to electricity and, for Africa to take the lead in the clean, green, renewable energy era.
May we know the support you have received from President William Ruto and the Kenyan government in fostering your ambition of serving as AUC Chair?
The Campaign for the AUC Leadership is a NATIONAL PROJECT. I would not have embarked on this important agenda without the assurance and full support of H.E. President William Ruto AND the Government of Kenya. The Campaign Team includes people from the Presidency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and my Office.
