Raila Odinga with Morocco's Foreign Affairs minister Nasser Bourita during a meeting in Rabat on December 9, 2024.Opposition leader Raila Odinga has continued to intensify his bid for the Africa Union Commission (AUC) chairperson job with a focused campaign in North Africa.
On Monday, Raila met Morocco’s Foreign Affairs minister Nasser Bourita in Rabat where they discussed his vision for the continent to make it effective.
In a statement following their discussions, Raila outlined his commitment to initiatives that would drive the unity, growth, and prosperity of Africa.
“Our deliberations focused on my vision for the continent and my plans to strengthen and enhance the effectiveness of the AUC if elected,” he said.
Key priorities during the meeting, he stated, include improving connectivity through infrastructure development, establishing visa-free movement, and expanding intra-African trade.
He pointed out that these efforts would ensure sustainable development and create opportunities for Africa’s youth.
“Later in our joint press appearance, I emphasised my vision while calling on the unity of Africans, which will give us a stronger global voice,” he said.
On his part, Bourita thanked Raila for this visit, which he termed as significant in helping Morocco better understand my candidacy and plan for AUC.
Raila’s diplomatic push comes only a few days after a visit to Eritrea where he was hosted by President Isaias Afwerki in Asmara.
During their meeting, Afwerki extended his support for his candidacy.
“My vision is to strengthen the bonds of Pan Africanism through the AU by enhancing connectivity to facilitate the movement of people and goods,” said Raila.
Raila’s whirlwind tours across Africa signal his growing momentum as he seeks to rally support for his candidacy ahead of the upcoming AUC election.
The election will conducted in February 2025 during the 38th AU Summit of the Heads of State in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The chairperson will be the fifth and will replace Moussa Faki who has completed his two-term tenure.
Raila will face off with Djibouti’s Mahamoud Ali Youssouf and Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar.
Three other candidates from Somalia, Mauritius and Seychelles withdrew from the race.
Raila has for far gained endorsements from 21 member states.
