With the campaign for the presidency of the African Union Commission (AUC) already underway, Kenyan President William Ruto is heaping praise on his compatriot and former political rival Raila Odinga, whom he presents as an ideal successor to Moussa Faki Mahamat.
The current president of the AUC, in office since January 2017 after succeeding Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, will leave office this year. The election of his successor, the fifth president of the Commission, is scheduled for February 2025.
Among the three candidates vying for this strategic position is Raila Odinga, former Prime Minister of Kenya. The other two contenders are Mahmoud Ali Youssef from Djibouti and Richard Randriamandrato from Madagascar.
Since last month, the candidates have presented their projects to the authorities of the African Union. Raila Odinga is reportedly the favorite to win next month’s election.
At a cultural event last Thursday, President Ruto praised Odinga, saying he embodies the unity and progress of the African continent through his pan-Africanist commitment.
The Kenyan leader, who is actively leading the campaign for the election of Odinga as head of the continental organization, stressed that his compatriot’s candidacy enjoys massive support due to his exemplary career as a convinced pan-Africanist. .
Ruto welcomed the unanimous support of East African countries for the candidacy of Odinga, whom he described as the candidate of the entire region.
“Before announcing his candidacy for the African Union, we consulted President Museveni as the elder of our region. We spoke with all East African heads of state and confirmed that we had the right candidate, with the necessary skills to promote the unity, progress and success of Africa,” he said. -he declared.
President Ruto expressed confidence that Raila Odinga’s leadership would promote peace on the continent, effectively manage conflicts and fully harness the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement.
“We are convinced that the victory of Honorable Raila will allow our continent to experience a better future,” he added.
Ruto was speaking at the fourth edition of the Piny Luo Cultural Festival in Bondo, Siaya County.
Present as the guest of honor, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni also lent his support to Raila Odinga, saying the East African region was united behind the former prime minister to prevail over his adversaries .
Museveni reiterated that African leaders had the responsibility to transform the continent significantly.
“It will help us think, but the real power is in our hands. We are in charge of these states and we can decide to move, and we will move,” he said.
Calling for stronger African integration, President Ruto stressed that territorial borders should not hinder trade and investment between countries.
“There cannot be a thriving Kenya without a thriving East Africa,” the president said.
These remarks were backed by President Museveni who urged African countries to work towards unity and promote inclusive growth and shared prosperity across the continent.
Museveni stressed the importance of revisiting Africa’s historic priorities: creating prosperity for the people, ensuring strategic security against all threats and promoting the integration of the continent.
WN/as/lb/Sf/te/APA
