Opposition leader Raila Odinga and the European Union Ambassador to Kenya Henriette Geiger have rooted for African Union (AU) reforms geared towards a united and integrated continent.
Raila said the two agreed on the need for a united and integrated Africa, inspired by the EU model.
“Had a fruitful discussion with Henriette Geiger on necessary AU reforms, boosting intra-Africa trade, climate action, and investing in education and infrastructure,” Raila said on X after meeting Geiger on Thursday.
Raila who is seeking to succeed Moussa Faki Mahamat as African Union Commission chairperson has been receiving delegations from the globe in his office, as he builds a strong base for the hotly contested race.
He has had discussions with Germany’s ambassador to Kenya Sebastian Groth and UK High Commissioner to Kenya, Neil Wigan.
Raila will face off with three other contenders in his bid for the African Union Commission’s chairman position.
The African Union had set August 6, as the deadline for candidates vying for eight senior AUC positions to submit their credentials, which has since lapsed.
Raila will run against Mahmoud Ali Youssouf from Djibouti, Anil Kumarsingh Gayan of Mauritius and Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar.
In 2016, African leaders decided that Institutional Reforms of the AU was urgent and necessary given the role the AU is expected to play in driving and achieving Africa’s Agenda 2063 vision of inclusive economic growth and development
To ensure the successful implementation of the reforms, a governance mechanism, as well as an implementation unit, was formed to work synergistically with the existing AU Organs and AUC as well as other subject matter experts.
In February, President William Ruto was picked as the new African Union Champion for Institutional Reform, during the Assembly of the African Union heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Ruto will among other things provide political leadership and vision that will contribute towards completing the Comprehensive Institutional Reform Initiative.
Ruto took over from President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, who previously held the position.
