Raila Odinga Gains Momentum in Race for African Union Commission Chair
Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairmanship has received a significant boost, following an endorsement from the newly elected Prime Minister of Mauritius. This development has sparked optimism among leaders across the continent, with many expressing confidence that Mr. Odinga is the ideal candidate for the position.
According to Jared Oundo, a Director at Jubilant Stewards of Africa, the AUC Chairmanship is rotational, and the East African bloc is set to produce the next chair. “This time, East African countries have the opportunity to lead the commission. There are three candidates on the ballot, with the election slated for February 7th next year,” he stated.
Notably, a fourth contender from Mauritius has chosen to step aside and campaign for Odinga, further consolidating his support. Oundo highlighted how, in just a week, Odinga’s candidacy has secured commitments from both Mauritius and Seychelles.
“The southern, northern, and western regions of Africa are focusing on the Deputy Chair position,” Oundo explained, noting that Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, and Libya have all fielded candidates for this role. He pointed out that these four countries are predominantly Islamic and that the outgoing AUC Chair, Moussa Faki Mahamat, also represents a Muslim background.
“It’s unlikely that Muslim-majority nations will push for both the Chair and Deputy Chair positions simultaneously. Given this dynamic, they are expected to back a non-Muslim candidate for the top seat, as a gesture of balance and reciprocity,” he observed.
Oundo further argued that Raila Odinga’s broad appeal within the Eastern bloc, coupled with the growing consensus among African states, strengthens his prospects. “If the Eastern bloc unites behind him, there will be little reason for the rest of Africa not to support his candidacy.”
With these endorsements and strategic alliances, Odinga’s path to the AUC Chairmanship appears increasingly promising. His reputation as a seasoned leader with pan-African ideals positions him as a strong contender in the race to shape Africa’s future.
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