April 21, 2026
AUC DEBATE: Raila Set To Face 3 Highly-Rated Rivals In Televised Interview

AUC DEBATE: Raila Set To Face 3 Highly-Rated Rivals In Televised Interview

On December 13, 2024, Raila Odinga will compete for the prestigious position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) against three other contenders in a high-stakes televised discussion.

The Mjadala Afrika discussion, held in the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, marks a watershed event in the campaign for the AUC’s top leadership position.

Raila will be joined by Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato, and Mauritius’ Anil Gayan.

The debate will begin at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Africa Time (EAT) and will be televised live across the continent in six African Union languages: English, French, Arabic, Portuguese, Spanish, and Swahili.

In a post on X on Thursday, December 5, 2024, the commission stated that the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation will supply the feed for all public broadcasters in member countries, allowing them to air the debate live in any of the six official AU languages.

The discussion offers candidates a rare opportunity to showcase their perspectives for executing Agenda 2063, the African Union’s strategic framework for socioeconomic transformation.

As the continent faces difficulties such as economic inequality, climate change, and regional wars, the AUC Chairperson’s role is viewed as critical to defining Africa’s future.

The discussion will be organized as a solutions-focused dialogue, with candidates challenged to outline policy stances and methods for promoting continental agendas.

These involve encouraging togetherness, supporting sustainable development, and implementing Common African Positions on global issues.

Raila Amollo Odinga – Kenya

Raila Odinga joins the campaign as a seasoned statesman with extensive expertise in government, infrastructural development, and continental diplomacy.

Raila, a strong proponent of Pan-Africanism, has been instrumental in settling regional tensions and supporting African Union infrastructure efforts.

His campaign is expected to center on boosting intra-African commerce, promoting peace, and utilizing technology for economic prosperity.

Raila’s campaign closely matches Agenda 2063’s goals, notably those related to industrialization and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Mahmoud Ali Youssouf – Djibouti

Mahmoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti is an experienced diplomat who focuses on strengthening Africa’s global role while tackling regional security issues.

Richard Randriamandrato – Madagascar

Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar is an economist who specializes in inclusive economic growth, environmental sustainability, and regional collaboration.

Anil Gayan – Mauritius

Anil Gayan of Mauritius is a seasoned lawyer and former diplomat who focuses on governance changes and establishing resilient institutions.

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The AU discussion is more than just electing a leader; it is an opportunity for Africa to interact with its citizens and establish a shared vision for the future.

Mjadala Afrika aims to stimulate public debate and promote transparency in the AU’s leadership selection process.

The December 13 debate will be a watershed moment in this journey, providing voters, politicians, and people with an unfiltered view of the leaders striving to define Africa’s future.

AUC DEBATE: Raila Set To Face 3 Highly-Rated Rivals In Televised Interview

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