Kenya’s former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, has set his sights on the top seat at the African Union Commission (AUC) with a powerful pledge to drive significant change across the continent.
During the launch of Kenya’s AUC bid at State House on Tuesday, Odinga emphasized his readiness to embrace the immense responsibility of the position, promising a continental transformation that would foster unity, development, and fair opportunities for all Africans.
Odinga’s bid for the AUC chairperson seat is not just a personal aspiration but a mission to serve the entire continent. He pledged to form a diverse leadership team, drawing from a wide range of African nations.
His goal is to create a borderless Africa where movement between countries is unhindered by colonial borders or languages.
Odinga envisions a continent where Africans can freely travel and trade, from the hills of Kenya to the vast deserts of the Sahara, and from the lakes of the Great Rift Valley to the rainforests of Central Africa. Moreover, he passionately declared that Africa’s strength lies in its unity, emphasizing that this unity must be passed on to the next generation.
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Addressing Climate Change and Fair Compensation
Odinga also highlighted Africa’s vulnerability to climate change and the unfair burden it bears. Despite being one of the smallest contributors to global carbon emissions, the continent faces severe consequences from environmental disasters like droughts and floods.
“Africa is a victim of climate change. Africa suffers from droughts and floods, yet Africa has emitted very little of the carbon gases that are polluting the world.“ Raila said
Odinga vowed to fight for fairer terms in global climate negotiations, ensuring that Africa is properly compensated for the damage it endures. He argued that Africa’s voice is more powerful when negotiating as a collective bloc rather than individual nations.
He stressed the importance of utilizing Africa’s vast resources effectively while curbing external exploitation. By ensuring that Africa trades within itself and manages its resources wisely, Odinga believes the continent can uplift its people and shape its future without over-reliance on foreign intervention.
Widespread Support for Odinga’s Bid
Odinga is not alone in his quest. He has received strong backing from prominent African leaders such as Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu, Rwanda’s Paul Kagame, Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni, and South Sudan’s Salva Kiir, among others.
Even former leaders like Nigeria’s ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo and Tanzania’s former president Jakaya Kikwete have expressed their unwavering support for Odinga’s bid.
The AUC chairperson election, slated for 2025, will be a critical moment for Africa as the continent chooses its next leader. With his deep knowledge of African politics and governance, Odinga has positioned himself as a candidate ready to lead the charge toward a more united, prosperous, and empowered Africa. Furthermore, his experience and vision could play a significant role in shaping the future of the continent.
As he competes against candidates from Djibouti, Mauritius, and Madagascar, Odinga will be relying on the support of African heads of state to secure his election and take on the mantle of guiding Africa into a new era of transformation.