Raila Odinga’s African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship bid received a boost as Mauritius withdrew its candidate and pledged support.
Mauritius’ new Prime Minister, Navin Ramgoolam, made the decision during a phone call with President William Ruto.
The shift marks a change in Mauritius’ foreign policy under Ramgoolam, replacing the stance of former PM Pravind Jugnauth.
Raila has continued to garner continental backing, solidifying his position as a strong contender for the AUC chairmanship
” Mauritius, which had submitted a candidate for AUC Chairmanship will now support Raila Odinga’s bid. This was communicated today by the new Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, during a phone call with President Ruto,” Njoroge stated.
Raila is facing off with Djibouti’s Mohamoud Youssouf, and Richard Randriamandrato (Madagascar) for the African Union Commission chairmanship.
The three seek to succeed the outgoing chairman Moussa Faki of Chad. The elections are scheduled for February next year.
President William Ruto on Tuesday 26 urged Kisumu residents to pray for Kenya’s African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship candidate, Raila Odinga, as he traverses West Africa in search of votes.
Addressing a roadside rally in Kondele, Kisumu County, after attending the Fourth Investment Conference of the African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network, Ruto acknowledged that he had once helped Raila, who has since returned the favour by helping him in his government.
The Head of State told the Kondele residents that the former Prime Minister has been traversing the continent in search of votes, reminding them to continue praying so that he becomes the leader of Africa.
“Mimi nilisimama hapa Kondele nikasema siku moja nilisaidia Agwambo na safari hii yeye amerudisha mkono amenisaidia mimi. Mimi nawauliza, iko makosa hapo? Nikiongea na nyinyi sasa, si tulikubaliana Agwambo tunaenda kumuombea ili awe kiongozi wa Africa? Juzi alikuwa kule Ivory Coast, jana amekuwa kule Senegal, leo ako kule Nigeria akitafuta kura. Si tutamuombea jamani?” Ruto stated.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi had called on the Great Lakes Region member states to support Odinga’s bid for African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship.
Mudavadi, on Sunday, submitted Kenya’s candidature for AUC chairperson during the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) meeting in Angola, describing Raila as a respected Pan-Africanist, who has demonstrated knowledge, governance and diplomatic leadership on regional and global issues.
” Allow me to inform this distinguished gathering that Kenya has presented her candidature for the position of Chairperson of the AUC at the elections to be held during the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in February 2025,” he said.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs on August 27 assured the Ministry’s commitment to ensure the success of Kenya’s campaign for Africa Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson.
Speaking during the official launch of Raila Odinga’s AUC candidacy, Mudavadi said a campaign strategy is in place assuring of the Government unwavering support to the candidate.
Mudavadi said Odinga embodies the ideals of a people-centered visionary leadership that the AUC needs.
“Over the past months, we have seen a relentless commitment to advance Kenya’s candidacy driven by Raila Odinga’s determination. He is a leader who has tirelessly championed the course of Africa’s unity, and progress,” Mudavadi said.
Mudavadi said highly experienced and knowledgeable individuals will lead campaigns to ensure a well-coordinated, targeted and result-oriented output.
He said Odinga’s candidacy is not only a nation’s mission but a continental as he will represent the Africa’s interests as well.
“To the African people, Kenya represents to you who will give the AU visibility and a deserving place in global discourse,” Mudavadi said.
He said the candidate will intensify his continental engagement by travelling far and wide to present himself to the leadership of African states led by Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Korir Sing’oei.
Despite the endorsement from other EAC block, Somalia recently withdrawn their support from Raila’s AUC bid.
Somalia’s rejection of Raila Odinga’s bid is also rooted in longstanding tensions with Kenya. Disputes over maritime borders, accusations of interference in Somalia’s internal affairs, and competing strategic interests have strained diplomatic ties between the two nations. Raila, being a central figure in Kenyan politics, faces skepticism from Somalia, which views his potential chairmanship as possibly favoring Kenyan geopolitical interests.
The fragmented support within East Africa complicates Raila Odinga’s campaign for the AUC chairmanship. Kenya has intensified diplomatic efforts to secure votes across Africa, emphasizing Raila’s commitment to Pan-Africanism, economic integration, and infrastructure development. However, Somalia’s lack of support signals a broader challenge for Kenya’s efforts to consolidate Eastern Africa’s backing.
The divergence within the region not only weakens the bloc’s ability to influence the AUC leadership race but also reflects broader issues of unity within Africa’s political alliances. Raila’s campaign now faces the dual challenge of addressing regional fractures and countering rival bids from other African regions.
By Newshub