If elected as the chairman of the African Union Commission, Raila Odinga, the leader of Azimio, has promised to collaborate with all African leaders to reorganize the continent into a union or federation.
Speaking at the FESTAC Festival in Kisumu, Raila vowed to unite African leaders to curb economic hunger and unleash the continent’s potential.
Raila noted that half a century ago, Africa's grandparents fought to liberate the people from foreign rule, and today, they must fight to liberate themselves from their fears.
"The fear that makes it so hard for Africa to trade with itself. The fear that makes it so hard for an African to visit another African country. The fear that makes it so hard to fly from Nairobi to Lagos. The fear makes it impossible to travel across the continent by train," Raila said.
Raila reflected on the struggles of previous African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah and Julius Nyerere, who dreamed of a unified Africa.
The AU chairperson candidate urged Africans to focus on their shared identity rather than their differences and should build on this shared identity and strengthen the African brand.
Raila added, " Make no mistake. Africa may be poor and may have been colonised, but Africa is a very strong brand that can be made much stronger."
As the campaign for the AUC chairperson position intensifies, he noted that it is important that they return integration to the top of their priorities.
Raila called for greater investment in continental trade, open skies, and infrastructure to enhance this integration.
He also stressed the importance of developing Africa’s cultural and creative industries as a unifying force.
"We must also fully develop and deploy culture and creative industries to unite this continent. Mwalimu Nyerere said, and I agree, “Unity will not make us rich, but it can make it difficult for Africa and the African peoples to be disregarded and humiliated.”
"I hope that at the end of this festival, we will return home determined to pursue the objective of African unity with the vigour, commitment, and sincerity that it deserves."
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo made a compelling case for reform and support for Raila Odinga’s bid to lead the AU during his speech at the Festival.
Obasanjo emphasized the urgent need for Africa to address its economic challenges.
“Africa has no reason to be poor,” Obasanjo declared.
“Our poverty is not an act of God but a result of poor mentality. We must wake up and get our act together. FESTAC is a step in the right direction.”
Obasanjo highlighted the shortcomings of the AU, stressing that it needs significant reforms.
“How can you have a continental body that waits for the EU to fund its projects? When I was appointed, the AU had no money to operate and was waiting for funds from Europe, America, and Germany,” he said.
“I used my connections to secure half a million dollars from the African Development Bank. We need a leader who understands Africa’s problems and the role the AU should play, and I believe Raila Odinga is that leader.”
The former president also addressed the growing dissatisfaction among Africa’s youth, warning that the young people are dissatisfied, bitter, and unemployed.
“They want change now, and if we don’t deliver, we’ll face serious consequences. We have the ability to meet their needs, but we need strong leadership to make it happen.”
Obasanjo expressed confidence in Raila’s capability to lead the AU effectively.
“We take two steps forward, then one step aside,” he said.
“Unless we address these issues, we won’t gain the respect and appreciation of the world that we deserve. Raila has the vision and leadership skills to drive the necessary reforms and economic growth for Africa. He will lead us to success.”
