Kenya Breaks Silence On SADC’s Decision To Endorse Madagascar’s AUC Candidate
On Friday, February 14, the government condemned the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) decision to back Madagascar’s African Union Commission (AUC) Chairmanship nominee, Richard Randriamandrato, undermining Kenya’s Raila Odinga’s chances.
This came after SADC sent a letter to all of the trading bloc’s foreign ministers on Wednesday, February 12, asking them to vote for Randriamandrato in the AUC election scheduled for Saturday, February 15.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei indicated that SADC’s decision to support Randriamandrato was not a cause for concern for Raila’s bid, calling it an “afterthought.”
Kenya is leaving nothing to chance in the AUC chairmanship race, Foreign Affairs PS Sing’oei says, dismisses SADC letter backing Madagascar as a cause for alarm. pic.twitter.com/jSqMeE1ZAs
— The Standard Digital (@StandardKenya) February 14, 2025
“To our minds, we think that this letter is something of an afterthought; we think that it is mere courtesy to show the minimalist solidarity extended to a member of their region,” he stated.
“So, to our minds, we do not think that it will have any bearing (on Raila’s AUC bid), but we are not taking any chances,” Sing’oei averred.
In that context, Sing’oei stated that Nairobi has received indications of support for Raila from several SADC countries.
However, last-minute preparations were underway to ensure that Raila’s votes from the region were secured.
“We are reaching out again to SADC countries to understand what the motivation behind this letter could be,” the PS stated.
At the same time, Sing’oei questioned Madagascar’s candidacy, questioning the island nation’s eligibility for the election based on its geographical position.
“It is important to note that this is the turn for a member of the Eastern region to be elected to chair the AUC,” the PS expressed.
“Madagascar is in a unique position because it straddles both the Eastern region and the Southern region. So, from a technical standpoint, I think, really, that Madagascar should not be on the ballot in regard to the Eastern region.
“Because if it was the turn of the Southern region, they could still contest. It gives them an unfair advantage,” he continued.
The letter from SADC came as a surprise, given its timing—just two days before the election.
UPDATE: The 16-member SADC bloc has urged its members in a last-minute diplomatic push to back Madagascar’s candidate for the AUC top seat, highlighting regional unity.
— Mwangi (@MwangiMaina_) February 13, 2025
Still, each member retains the right to vote based on national interest. pic.twitter.com/WcezFUSX2m
If heeded, it could have serious consequences for Raila’s prospects following months of vigorous campaigning in the SADC region and across Africa.
SADC consists of 16 southern African countries, including Angola, Botswana, the Comoros, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Eswatini, Lesotho, and Madagascar.
Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe are the other members of the economic bloc.
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However, Sing’oei, who has played an important part in Raila’s AUC candidacy, expressed optimism in Raila’s chances of winning the polls, noting the enormous work done by Raila’s campaign team as evidence of his good chances of victory.
“The elections are conducted by way of a secret ballot, but I can tell you (Kenyans) that we have done our job,” Sing’oei asserted.
“Our very strong view, really, is that once we have two candidates left in the race, the Kenyan candidate will not only prevail but also attain the two-thirds majority threshold very, very, very quickly.”
In addition to Raila and Randriamandrato, Djibouti has its own contender, Mahmoud Youssouf. The winner will be determined when a two-thirds majority of the 55 countries vote for one of the three contenders.
Kenya Breaks Silence On SADC’s Decision To Endorse Madagascar’s AUC Candidate
