Guinea-Bissau's President Umaro Sissoco Embalo has endorsed former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s African Union Commission Chairmanship bid.
Guinea-Bissau's support for Raila was announced by President William Ruto on Saturday.
Ruto on Saturday hosted visiting Guinea Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embaló at State House, Nairobi.
“In the context of the forthcoming African Union Commission (AUC) elections, I express my deep appreciation to Your Excellency for Guinea-Bissau's endorsement of Kenya's candidate for the position of AUC Chairperson for the 2025-2028 term,” Ruto said.
The President said that Kenya's candidature is informed by our longstanding commitment to championing the Pan-African agenda and delivering on the continent's aspirations.
“I am confident that our candidate will provide visionary and results-driven leadership, prioritizing the needs and aspirations of member states,” the President said.
Raila is facing Djibouti’s Mahamoud Youssouf in his battle for the top continental job in next month's poll in Addis Ababa.
He has intensified continental campaigns and meetings with heads of state and government in the African Capital.
Raila is sprinting in the last month of the campaigns, scouring for votes across the continent and leaving no capital to enhance his chances of making history.
The AUC Chairperson is the highest-ranking official within the African Union and is selected by the Assembly for a four-year term, with the option for one renewal.
On Friday, African Union Chairperson Mohamed Ould Ghazouani hosted former Prime Minister Raila.
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) serves as the chief executive officer of the commission, while the Chairperson of the African Union holds a ceremonial position, typically filled by a head of state or government.
The former Prime Minister was invited as a guest in Nouakchott, Mauritania.
Ghazouani is also the President of Mauritania.
Raila also had an opportunity to meet the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs SEM. BAL Mohamed El Habib.
"During our discussions, I presented my vision centred on the unity of Africa’s people and the imperative for economic independence and prosperity," Raila said.
