Can Raila convince Africa in AU Chair debate on December 13? » Capital News
NAIROBI, Kenya Dec 7 – Kenya’s candidate for the African Union (AU) Chairperson position, Raila Odinga, will participate in a televised debate on December 13, 2024, alongside two other contenders for the top role.
Dubbed Mjadala Afrika (Africa’s Leadership Debate), the event will be held at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Raila will compete against Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the country’s Foreign Minister since 2005, and Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar.
Raila, at 79, is the oldest among the candidates, followed by Youssouf at 59, and Randriamandrato at 55.
According to the AU, the debate offers candidates a platform to outline their visions for advancing Agenda 2063, the continent’s blueprint for sustainable development.
The debate will be conducted in both French and English, with simultaneous interpretation in the AU’s six working languages: English, French, Arabic, Portuguese, Spanish, and Swahili.
“The debate focuses on policy issues and a solutions-oriented engagement on how each candidate intends to advance the realization of the Aspirations and Goals of Agenda 2063, other AU projects with continental focus, and Common African Positions,” AU said in a communication.
Raila, aiming to succeed outgoing Chairperson Moussa Faki, has been intensifying his shuttle diplomacy efforts, engaging African Heads of State to rally support for his bid.
With the African Union Chairperson elections set for February 2025, Raila aims to leverage the two-hour televised debate, starting at 7:00 PM, to rally support and present his case as the ideal candidate for the role.
While no public opinion polls have revealed a frontrunner, Odinga is counting on his extensive experience in championing democratic reforms and fostering regional integration to secure the position.
Raila has since secured endorsements from several Heads of State and aims to gain more support in the final stretch of the race.
The winner in the race will be determined by the AU Assembly through a secret ballot, with Raila needing a two-thirds majority vote from eligible member states to clinch the seat.
President William Ruto, who has endorsed Raila’s candidacy, has deployed state resources to ensure the veteran opposition leader and former Prime Minister secures the AU Chairperson seat.
While Raila enjoys State backing following his exit from local politics, some Kenyans have criticized him as an “opportunistic” leader driven by self-interest.
The government has rejected this narrative, urging Kenyans to show patriotism and support “our own” in the high-stakes race, which could shape Kenya’s influence in Africa and determine Raila’s future.
About The Author
