Big win for Azimio leader as a unanimous decision was reached to designate the Eastern Africa region as responsible for presenting candidates for the position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) during the 22nd Extraordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Executive Council, held on Friday.
This decision, in line with the Statute of the AU Commission, the Rules of Procedure of AU policy organs, and the directives of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, marks a significant development.
Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, expressed satisfaction with the decision, stating that it aligns with Kenya’s advocacy efforts.
Mudavadi, who played an active role in advocating for the decision during the session, affirmed that Raila Odinga will vie for the AU Commission Chairperson position. With this decision, technical and legal barriers preventing Kenya from submitting its candidate have been removed.
With the incumbent Chairperson, Moussa Faki of Chad, concluding his tenure next year, elections for the AUC Chairperson are scheduled for February 2025.
Furthermore, the decision stipulates that the Northern Africa region will nominate candidates for the Deputy Chairperson role, while the Central, Southern, and Western regions will compete for the six commissioner positions.
Mudavadi emphasized Kenya’s commitment to fostering consensus within the Eastern Africa region and across the continent. Efforts to rally support for Kenya’s candidate are ongoing, with the aim of ensuring effective leadership for the AU Commission and promoting continental unity.
Raila Odinga, opposition leader, has formally declared his candidacy for the AUC Chairperson position, marking a significant milestone. His decision follows extensive consultations with allies.
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, a supporter of Raila’s candidacy, underscores the importance of an East African leader assuming the AUC Chairperson role.
