Raila Odinga In West African Tour to Garner Support for AU Chairmanship Bid

By Samuel Ouma

Raila Odinga, the former Kenyan Prime Minister, is currently touring West Africa to solidify support for the position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission.

Odinga, famed for his vision of pan-African unity and development, aims to succeed Moussa Faki Mahamat, the current chairperson, whose term is coming to a close.

The Kenyan opposition leader’s travel began on November 21 with a stop in Benin, where he met with Foreign Minister Olushegun Adjadi Bakari. Their discussions centred on critical areas of cooperation, such as agriculture, infrastructure, and technology. Odinga expressed his vision for using these sectors to unite Africa and boost its global voice if elected as AUC Chairperson.

“Benin and Kenya share very close relations, and I am grateful for the warm reception that I was accorded,” Odinga remarked.

From Benin, Odinga travelled to Togo to meet with President Faure Gnassingbe. Their conversations touched on Africa's difficulties and prospects and practical solutions to critical concerns such as economic stagnation, climate change, and peacekeeping. Odinga emphasized the importance of joint action and leadership in efficiently addressing the continent's difficulties.

On November 24, Odinga visited Accra, Ghana, to meet with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat. He praised the 48 African Union Member States' efforts in ratifying the AfCFTA treaty, calling it a cornerstone for intra-African trade and economic reform.

“My AUC vision for a stable and prosperous Africa is hinged on increasing inter-Africa trade for development through regional economic blocs,” said Odinga.

During his visit to Ghana, Odinga met with President Nana Akufo-Addo and praised the country's leadership in African affairs. He used the opportunity to discuss his goals for strengthening Africa's standing on the global stage through consistent policies and a single voice.

His visit did not end in Ghana; he flew to The Gambia in November, where he was hosted by Vice President Muhammed Jallow. Although President Adama Barrow was on a regional tour at the time of Odinga's visit, the two leaders spoke by phone about Odinga's candidacy and revolutionary vision for the African Union.

“President Adama Barrow, who was on a tour of the regions, graciously called me on the phone. We discussed my candidature and the vision I have for the transformation of our continent,” Odinga shared.

Odinga's opponents for the AUC leadership include well-known figures from across the continent, each with a distinct vision and agenda for Africa.
Among them are Mahamoud Ali Yousouf from Djibouti, Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar and Anil Gayan from Mauritius.