Friday August 2, 2024
Raila Odinga with AMISOM’s Civilian Chief of Staff Kojo Brew Acquaisie on August 2, 2024./ Image: HANDOUT
NAIROBI, Kenya (HOL) — Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga held discussions on Friday with Kojo Brew Acquaisie, the Civilian Chief of Staff for the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), and Kenya's Deputy Head of Mission in Berlin, Ambassador Valerie Rugene. The meetings focused on regional stability and development.
Following the discussions, Odinga shared on his social media platform that he was "Excited about the potential for positive change on the African continent and enhanced collaboration."
These meetings come as Odinga prepares for his candidacy as Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC). Earlier this week, Kenya formally submitted Odinga's bid, putting to rest weeks of speculation about the government's support, which recent anti-government protests had fueled. Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Singo'ei confirmed that the requisite documentation was presented to the Dean of the Eastern Region.
The African Union Commission has set August 6 as the deadline for submitting candidacies for the chairmanship currently held by Moussa Faki. To ensure candidates are chosen based on merit, the AU established a panel of eminent persons to vet candidates and compile a shortlist. The panel of five distinguished individuals from each region was appointed in February 2024 to oversee the pre-selection process for the eight available positions.
Odinga's candidacy faces competition from several other prominent candidates. Fawzia Yusuf Adam, Somalia's former Foreign Minister, announced her candidacy in February 2024, with support from Somali national leaders aiming to enhance Somalia's influence within the AU. Despite public backing, Adam faces pressure from Somali government leaders to withdraw in favour of Djibouti's candidate, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has expressed support for Adam, adding complexity to the race.
Following the vetting process, the election for the AUC Chairperson will be conducted via secret ballot at a later date.