Right Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga has declared his interest in contesting for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson position.
“Should the leadership of Africa want my services I am ready and offer myself to be of service to this continent. I’m ready yes to go for the chairmanship of the African Union,” said Raila Odinga.
“As a Pan-Afrcaninst I believe strongly that Africa is playing in the league that it should not play. That Africa deserves better,” he noted.
When he announced this he was accompanied by Nigeria’s former President Olusegun Obasanjo who will mobilize leaders across Africa “and talk to other people elsewhere”.
The African Union Commission chairperson position will fall vacant in 2025 as the current holder Moussa Faki will be completing his two-term at the position.
The chairperson position is the senior-most official of the continental organ because he acts as the CEO and legal representative of the African Union.
His roles will include overseeing the commission’s finances and administration, enhancing performance, coordinating key stakeholders and appointing as well as managing the Commission staff.
If he sails through, Raila Odinga will serve the continental body until 2028, one year after elections in Kenya.
The AU Commission Chair is at the same level as that of head of state for the office holder. He will be instrumental in elections, development and solving conflicts across Africa and globally.
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