Kenya formally submitted Raila Odinga’s application for the top job at the African Union Commission (AUC) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Monday.
The application was lodged by Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Singo’ei to the Office of the Legal Counsel of the African Union through the Dean of Eastern Region Dharmraj Busgeeth, who is also the Ambassador of Mauritius.
“Under the authority of the Government of Kenya and as per the Statutes and Rules of the African Union Commission, we have today formally submitted requisite documentation of Kenya’s nominee for the Chairmanship of the African Union, H.E. Raila Amolo Odinga,” Dr. Singo’ei said in a statement.
“This decision is informed by Mr. Odinga’s Pan-Africanist credentials, his suitability, his vast networks across Africa, and his proven competence to lead AUC Africa’s premier continental organization.”
In his application, Odinga outlined his vision for the AUC, focusing on African integration and infrastructure development, economic transformation, enhancing intra-African trade, financial independence, and gender equity and equality. His grand plan also emphasizes agricultural transformation, climate action, peace and security, and youth empowerment.
“Mr. Odinga’s key focus and commitment is to harness Africa’s rich and vast human and natural resources to propel Africa towards a new era of shared prosperity. He envisions an African Union Commission that can deliver on the priorities of the African peoples both by catalyzing delivery on our continent and by commanding the global influence it rightfully warrants,” Dr. Singo’ei added.
The submission included Odinga’s curriculum vitae (CV), required to be in six languages—English, Arabic, French, Portuguese, Spanish, and Kiswahili.
The African Union Commission has set August 6, 2024, as the deadline for the submission of applications by candidates interested in succeeding the current chairman, Moussa Faki. Besides Odinga, other aspirants include Djiboutian Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Somalia’s former Foreign Minister Fawzia Yusuf Adam, and former Seychellois Vice President Vincent Meriton.
The application submission clears the air on President Ruto’s and the government’s commitment to the opposition leader’s candidature after missing a self-imposed June 30 deadline.
According to Dr. Singo’ei, “Mr. Odinga is an exceptional African. He embodies high ethical standards, unparalleled integrity, and well-honed diplomatic skills. He is an ardent champion of African unity, intra-African trade and integration, and infrastructural connectivity. These qualities were in full display when he served as High Representative of the AUC Chairperson on Infrastructure.”
Kenya’s government has pledged to support Odinga’s bid for the highly coveted continental seat, which would elevate him to a stature comparable to that of a head of state.
The African Union Commission election process includes a live televised debate known as MjadalaAfrika, where candidates will outline their vision for leading the transformation of Africa through the implementation of the AU Mandate and Africa’s Agenda 2063. This debate allows African citizens and other stakeholders to pose questions to the candidates, ensuring transparency and engagement in the election process.
 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Monday.){kind=link}