EAC Leaders Rally Behind Raila Odinga as African Union Commission Chairperson Candidate

In a significant show of regional solidarity, East African Community (EAC) leaders convened at State House, Nairobi, to officially endorse former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga as the candidate for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson position.

This event, hosted by President William Ruto, marks a pivotal moment in Mr. Odinga’s campaign as he sets his sights on the upcoming February 2025 elections to succeed the current AUC Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat.

The gathering, which brought together key figures from across the EAC, underscores the strong regional support for Mr. Odinga. Among the distinguished attendees were EAC Chairman and South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, and Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni. Additionally, Rwanda’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, James Kabarebe, and Burundian Prime Minister, Gervais Ndirakobuca, were present, further emphasizing the broad backing within the EAC.

The event was also graced by former African leaders, including Tanzania’s Jakaya Kikwete and Nigeria’s Olusegun Obasanjo, whose presence highlighted the continental significance of Mr. Odinga’s candidacy.

As Mr. Odinga embarks on his official campaign, he faces competition from notable African diplomats, including Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, former Mauritius Foreign Minister Anil Kumarsingh Gayan, and Richard James Randriamandrato, a former Foreign Minister of Madagascar.

The race for the AUC chairpersonship is set to be a closely watched contest, with the EAC’s support potentially playing a crucial role in shaping the outcome.