South Sudan president Salva Kiir has joined his East Africa Community partners to drum up support for Raila Odinga’s bid for African Union Commission chairperson.
The EAC chairman commended President William Ruto for “demonstrating leadership and courage for Kenya to nominate Raila as the region’s candidate”.
“My presence here is to confirm that South Sudan’s endorsement of this decision is in place,” Kiir said while in Nairobi.
The South Sudan leader said on Tuesday that he endorsed the former Prime Minister, having known him for many years.
“His pan-African commitment and consistency are admirable; his zeal and ideas for African prosperity and progress would be of great value,” Kiir said.
He added, “The AUC can count on him. As chairman of the EAC, I appeal to the region to rally behind Raila and adopt him as the region’s candidate.”
The South Sudan leader urged his counterparts to go to Addis Ababa as a united force behind Raila's bid.
“Let us leaders talk to our friends across the continent so that Raila can be the next AUC chairperson,” Kiir said.
“We have to talk to others so that Raila becomes the only choice for the East Africa Community. Be assured of my highest consideration and esteem.”
He revealed that South Sudan will stick with the EAC bloc’s candidate as it has done in the past.
Kiir disclosed how he turned down a plea by the outgoing AUC chair, Faki Mahamat, for his support in the last election.
“He’s angry with me up to this day but that is what happened,” Kiir stated.
