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.
Also Read: Has Raila Rival & Djibouti’s Candidate Dropped Out of AUC Race?
Kenya’s AUC Candidate Intensifies Campaign
On Wednesday, January 22, Raila took his AUC campaigns to Algeria. He met Algeria’s Prime Minister Nadir Larbaoui, with whom he discussed his plans for the continent, should he become the next AUC chairman.
He also had an opportunity to meet Algeria’s Secretary General Ministry of Foreign Affairs, SEM. BAL Mohamed El Habib.
“I have been warmly received in Algiers by the Rt Hon Nadir Larbaoui, the Prime Minister of Algeria. We’ve had an opportunity to discuss and renew our mutual relations as brotherly countries,” Raila said on X.
“I shared my vision for the African Union and the need to further strengthen Pan-Africanism for continental prosperity. Thank you, Prime Minister.”
For the past week, Raila has embarked on campaigns targeting Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries as he seeks support for his AUC bid.
Hours after meeting his longtime friend, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Raila landed in Maputo on Friday January 17 for his campaigns.
In Maputo, the Azimio leader was hosted by newly sworn-in President Daniel Francisco Chapo for AUC campaign talks.
On the same day he met Ramaphosa, he was also hosted by Lesotho Prime Minister, Sam Matekane, in Maseru.
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