Raila Odinga Slams African Presidents For Attending the China-Africa Summit in Beijing
Raila Odinga, the leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), lashed out on Saturday at the decision of some African heads of state to attend the ongoing Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit in Beijing, China.
Odinga, speaking to a congregation in Bondo, Siaya County, claimed there was no justifiable reason for over 40 presidents to attend a summit in China.
We spent a great afternoon hosting the Sakwa Awendo delegation from Migori at Kango Ka Jaramogi homestead in Bondo, Siaya.
— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) September 7, 2024
It was an incredible cultural exchange and an opportunity to reconnect with the larger Sakwa community.
Ero Kamano uru! pic.twitter.com/s5ZZSFt9MZ
Instead, the former Prime Minister emphasized that if the Chinese delegation wanted to meet with the continent’s leaders, they must visit Africa.
“I believe that Africa is punching below its weight and that Africa can do better. I have seen African leaders moving around like you see, I have just come from a summit dubbed FOCAC, where almost 40 heads of state were,” Raila claimed.
“But I say, why should African leaders go to China? Chinese should be the ones coming to Africa, so these are some of the things that we want to reverse.”
Raila, while insisting on the matter, promised to implement a raft of reforms within the continent once he is elected as the African Union Commission(AUC) Chairperson.
Arrived in Beijing for the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit. The meeting presents an opportunity for Africa to renew and strengthen its partnership with China.
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) September 2, 2024
Over the years, China has proven to be a true development partner, significantly revamping our infrastructure.… pic.twitter.com/e7yfbsgvC1
According to Odinga, despite facing numerous challenges, Africa has the potential to become the world’s most successful continent.
“Africa can punch at its level, and this is what I want to see. I have already said what I want to see in Africa and what Africa can do. Africa has been undermined, exploited but we do not want to continue whining,” Raila stated.
Odinga’s comments come just days after he was spotted attending a summit in China with President William Ruto and other heads of state.
During their trip to Beijing, Raila and Ruto met with six African leaders in an effort to rally support for Odinga’s bid for the top continental position.
Rwanda is a strong ally and strategic partner of Kenya. We share diplomatic, historical and cultural ties. Our two nations are also committed members of the East African Community, especially on regional integration, trade and people to people relations.
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) September 4, 2024
Met President… pic.twitter.com/R0cBOv4xo5
“Met President Paul Kagame of Rwanda in Beijing, China, and deliberated on deepening our relations and also the candidature of Raila Odinga for the position of the African Union Commission chairperson,” Ruto announced on his X platform.
In addition to meeting President Paul Kagame, Ruto also met with presidents from Togo, Mali, Guinea Bissau, Chad, and Zambia.
Raila Odinga Slams African Presidents For Attending the China-Africa Summit in Beijing
