Former Somalia Foreign Affairs Minister Fawzia Yusuf Adam has backed Opposition chief Raila Odinga for the African Union Commission chairperson seat.
Fawzia who had been a contender for the seat declared her support for Raila after pulling out of the race.
Raila announced on X that Fawzia supports his bid after they “discussed key issues” regarding the continent.
“Grateful for her support in my bid for AUC Chair. Wishing her all the best as she continues to champion Africa’s progress,” Raila said.
Despite initial lobbying efforts for her candidacy in March, Somalia did not formally endorse Fawzia for the position, Somalia Signal- a leading English-language website focusing on Somalia issues- reported.
Her name was absent from the list of candidates after the nomination deadline lapsed.
The African Union had set August 6, as the deadline for candidates vying for eight senior AUC positions to submit their credentials.
Raila will run against Mahmoud Ali Youssouf from Djibouti, Anil Kumarsingh Gayan of Mauritius and Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar.
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 drums up support for the seat.
He has had discussions with Germany’s ambassador to Kenya Sebastian Groth and UK High Commissioner to Kenya, Neil Wigan.
In June, Fawzia reportedly disclosed that leaders from the federal government and four federal member states pressured her to withdraw her candidacy at the request of Djibouti.
The election for the next AUC Chairperson will be held in January 2025, coinciding with the end of Faki’s term.
