Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga/HANDOUT
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has said that he is confident that he will win next week’s African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship elections.
Speaking on Saturday, Raila said he is optimistic that African leaders will rally behind his bid to become the next AUC chairperson.
He said that so far, he has traveled across the continent and share his agenda for Africa with all Heads of State and government.
Raila added that he is ready to work with all leaders to better the lives of the people of Africa, insisting that he will give the job his best.
“We have traveled the whole of Africa, met leaders and talked to them about our vision for our continent, Africa for Africa, which is my agenda and I am confident I will be elected AUC chairman.
“I will do the job to best of my ability in collaboration with other leaders from the Continent to improve the lives of our people,” he said.
Raila will face off with Mahmoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti and Madagascar's Richard Randriamandrato.
The three went head-to-head in a televised debate on December 13, 2024, where each used the opportunity to outline their vision of how they would lead the transformation of Africa through the implementation of the AU Mandate and Africa’s Agenda 2063.
The race is to succeed Moussa Faki from Chad whose term comes to an end next year.
The new office holder will be selected at the 38th AU summit to be held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The election will be held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on February 15 and 16.
It will be preceded by the election of AU Commissioners on February 12 and 13.
The election for the chairperson, deputy chairperson, and commissioners continues until one of the candidates obtains the two-thirds majority.
The winner of the AUC chairperson seat is required to garner the support of two-thirds of the 55 countries eligible to vote, translating to 33 African Union member states.
