Raila Hosts Withdrawn Somalia’s Candidate For The AUC Seat, Affirms Support
Raila Odinga, the leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), received a significant boost in his campaign for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson position on Friday when a key challenger dropped out.
Fawzia Yusuf Adam, Somalia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, who had been backed by her government and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, paid a visit to Raila’s office and supported the former Kenyan Prime Minister’s bid.
Glad to have discussed key issues regarding our continent with @FawziaYusufAdam, former Somalia Foreign Affairs Minister. Grateful for her support in my bid for AUC Chair. Wishing her all the best as she continues to champion Africa’s progress. pic.twitter.com/Mj66M7D94A
— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) August 9, 2024
“Glad to have discussed key issues regarding our continent with Fawzia Yusuf Adam former Somalia Foreign Affairs Minister,” Raila said in a post after holding a meeting with the former Somali Minister.
“Grateful for her support in my bid for AUC Chair. Wishing her all the best as she continues to champion Africa’s progress”
Fawzia entered the race in February 2024, complicating Raila’s bid for the prestigious position.
Her withdrawal from the African Union Commission chairperson race to support Raila Odinga is a strategic move that may increase Raila’s influence within the East African Community (EAC).
Her endorsement strengthens Raila’s regional leadership image, potentially increasing his influence in advocating for policies that align with his vision for East Africa.
In the broader EAC context, Fawzia’s support could help Raila negotiate regional issues such as trade and security.
I am delighted to announce my support for the Right Honourable Raila Odinga in his bid for Chair of the African Union Commission. I extend my heartfelt wishes for his success in this important endeavour. Additionally, I want to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to… pic.twitter.com/NLZcu6FiDt
— Fawzia Yusuf H. Adam (@FawziaYusufAdam) August 9, 2024
It may also strengthen ties between Kenya and Somalia, promoting stability and cooperation.
Following Adam’s decision to withdraw from the race, Raila will face off against other top candidates including Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mohamoud Ali Youssouf, Mauritius’ Anil Kumarsingh Gayan, and Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato.
Raila, on the other hand, has the support of President William Ruto and presidents from all over the East African Community (EAC), including Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni, Rwanda’s Paul Kagame, and Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu.
This comes after the Kenyan government officially submitted Raila’s documentation and candidacy for the coveted seat on Monday, July 29, 2024.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei expressed confidence in Raila’s candidacy and encouraged him to go ahead and win the seat against formidable opponents.
“Under the authority of the Government of Kenya and as per the Statutes and Rules of the African Union Commission, we have today formally submitted requisite documentation of Kenya’s nominee for for the Chairmanship of the African Union Commission, H.E. Raila Amolo Odinga, to the Dean of Eastern Region, H.E. Dharmraj Busgeeth, Ambassador of Mauritius,” stated Korir.
Meanwhile, with his AUC campaign in full swing at home, Raila Odinga has recently been scrambling to restore order in the ODM party.
This came after several young politicians became aware of his impending departure to Addis Abeba, hoping to secure key positions within the political organization.
The ODM supremo is thought to have convened a meeting on Friday, August 9, to address these issues.
President William Ruto’s decision to bring four senior ODM party officials into his cabinet has accelerated the competition for the position.
These include John Mbadi (Treasury), Opiyo Wandayi (Energy and Petroleum), Hassan Joho (Mining and the Blue Economy), and Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives and MSMEs).
Raila Hosts Withdrawn Somalia’s Candidate For The AUC Seat, Affirms Support
