A historic decision was made on Friday at the African Union Commission's (AUC) headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, which has dramatically bolstered the candidacy of former prime minister Raila Odinga for the position of chairperson.
This comes after the AU Executive Council decided on Friday that the Eastern Africa region should now submit candidates for the AUC presidency.
Musalia Mudavadi, the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs and Prime Cabinet Secretary of Kenya announced while attending the 22nd Extraordinary Session of the AU's Executive Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers in Addis.
"This is a major breakthrough for the Eastern Africa region to present candidates for the position of Chairperson of the AUC," said Mudavadi.
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Mudavadi, who vigorously advocated for adopting the decision during the AU Executive Council meeting, stated that the choice was consistent with Kenya's demands.
He added that the decision complies with the decisions of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, the AU Commission's statute, and the policy organs' rules of procedure.
"It is now clear that Raila Odinga will be in the race for the AU Commission Chairperson. Effectively, there are no more technical or legal hurdles preventing Kenya from submitting its candidate," he stated.
The decision further stipulates that the Central, Southern, and Western regions will contest the six commissioner positions, with the Northern Africa region fielding candidates for the Deputy Chairperson post.
According to Mudavadi, Kenya will collaborate closely with the 14 member states of Eastern Africa to foster unity around its nominee.
According to him, these efforts are still going strong. They will also involve all the other regions to guarantee that the chance to choose the AUC's effective leadership offers a platform for bringing the continent together.
The AU Commission Chairperson will be chosen in February 2025 through elections.
