Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has received a significant boost in his bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship after Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo endorsed his candidacy.
The endorsement was formally announced by President William Ruto during a Umaro’s State Visit at State House Kenya on Saturday, January 25.
“In the context of the forthcoming African Union Commission (AUC) elections, I express my deep appreciation to Your Excellency for Guinea-Bissau’s endorsement of Kenya’s candidate for the position of AUC Chairperson for the 2025-2028 term,” Ruto said.
“Kenya’s candidature is informed by our longstanding commitment to championing the Pan-African agenda and delivering on the continent’s aspirations. I am confident that our candidate will provide visionary and results-driven leadership, prioritising the needs and aspirations of member states.”
Raila Secures Guinea Bissau Support for AUC Top Job
The crucial election, scheduled for mid-February, has attracted significant attention as Kenya’s candidate, Raila Odinga, prepares to face off against Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mahamoud Ali Youssouf and Madagascar’s former Foreign Minister Richard Randriamandrato.
The former Prime Minister has been intensifying his continental campaigns and shuttle diplomacy efforts, engaging African Heads of State and government to rally support for his bid.
Odinga has already secured endorsements from several leaders, with the latest coming from Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki.
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The endorsement comes a day after the African Union Chairperson Mohamed Ould Ghazouani hosted former Raila on Friday January 24.
“During our discussions, I presented my vision centred on the unity of Africa’s people and the imperative for economic independence and prosperity,” Raila said.
On Thursday, Raila was hosted by Mohamed Ben Ayed, Secretary of State to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Migration, and Tunisians Abroad of the Republic of Tunisia, in Tunis.
During their meeting, Raila shared his vision for Africa and outlined his plans to strengthen and enhance the effectiveness of the African Union Commission if elected as Chairperson.