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Congo President's endorsement has strengthened our mission - Raila

Raila held talks with the President of the Republic of the Congo in his latest AUC campaigns

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by JAMES MBAKA

News17 August 2024 - 10:20
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In Summary


  • This week Raila also met Democratic Republic of the Congo President Félix Tshisekedi who backed his AUC candidacy.
  • Raila has gone flat out to activate his old regional networks in his vote-hunting mission for the top continental job.
A screengrab of Azimio leader Raila Odinga shaking hands with President of the Republic of the Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso.

Kenya's candidate for the African Union Commission chairperson Raila Odinga says his endorsement by Congo President Denis Sassou Nguesso has boosted his candidacy.

The former prime minister met Nguesso in Brazzaville where they held talks about his African Union Commission chairperson bid.

"His endorsement strengthens our mission," Raila said on his X account on Saturday.

Raila said he was grateful for the insightful meeting with President  N’Guesso as he advanced his AUC bid.

"We discussed security, development, and climate change—vital to a prosperous and sustainable future,"  Raila said.

The Republic of the Congo, also known as Congo-Brazzaville or the Congo is located in Central Africa.

Raila's meeting with President Nguesso came hot on the heels of his aggressive continental campaign to seek endorsements from heads of state for his AUC bid.

On Thursday, the former prime ministers met Democratic Republic of the Congo President Félix Tshisekedi who backed his AUC candidacy.

"Our conversation centred on the foundational issues of security, development, and climate change—essential for creating lasting prosperity and advancing our shared future," Raila said on X.

Raila will run against Mahmoud Ali Youssouf from Djibouti, Anil Kumarsingh Gayan of Mauritius and Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar.

Raila has gone flat out to activate his old regional networks in his vote-hunting mission for the top continental job.

Bolstered by the strong backing of President William Ruto and state machinery, some diplomats think Raila has a head start in the race.

The former Prime Minister, hailed for a long-standing commitment to pan-Africanism, is leveraging his extensive connections to bolster his bid.

The network includes former and serving presidents.

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