KEY POINTS
- Raila Odinga met Emmerson Mnangagwa to secure SADC support for his AU Commission chairmanship bid.
- The AU reforms prioritize regional representation and leadership meritocracy for enhanced continental governance.
- Zimbabwe’s SADC role makes Mnangagwa’s support crucial for Odinga’s campaign success.
Kenya’s former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, met with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa at State House in Harare yesterday to seek Zimbabwe’s backing for his campaign to become the next chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission.
Odinga, vying for the position as the Eastern Africa region’s nominee, emphasized the critical importance of Zimbabwe’s endorsement and that of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in bolstering his candidacy.
Mnangagwa backs Odinga’s AU bid
According to Herald, Zimbabwe’s support, he noted, could significantly influence regional alignment in his favor.
Following the meeting, Odinga expressed optimism about his prospects. Sharing his thoughts on social media, he described the discussions with Mnangagwa as “candid and fruitful,” highlighting his vision for a more united and resilient Africa under his leadership. “I outlined my aspirations for a transformative AU that addresses our shared challenges with collective solutions,” he wrote.
President Mnangagwa, currently serving as the Chairperson of SADC, holds a strategic position in shaping the region’s collective stance on key continental matters. His engagement with Odinga underscores Harare’s growing influence in regional and African politics.
Odinga campaigns for AU leadership
The African Union’s decision earlier this year to designate East Africa for the next AU Commission chairmanship reflects broader reforms aimed at fostering meritocracy, equitable regional representation, and increased transparency in the organization’s leadership selection process.
These reforms align with the AU’s broader agenda of enhancing its capacity to address Africa’s pressing challenges effectively.
During his Harare visit, Odinga reiterated his commitment to advancing Africa’s development through collaborative initiatives.
He highlighted the continent’s untapped potential, particularly its youthful population, as a cornerstone for driving economic transformation. He also advocated for integrating Africa’s vast resources to foster inclusive growth and development.
The campaign for the AU Commission chairpersonship is heating up as the election, scheduled for February 25 at the 38th AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, approaches.
Odinga’s visit to Zimbabwe represents a calculated move to consolidate support among key stakeholders in southern Africa, a region pivotal to his bid.
As Odinga’s campaign continues, his focus remains on building alliances across the continent to secure a leadership role.
The meeting with Mnangagwa marks a significant milestone in his journey to steer the AU toward a future defined by unity, innovation, and sustainable development.
