Amani Africa, a pan-African policy research organization, has criticized Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa for disseminating a fake opinion poll concerning the race for the next African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson.
In a statement on Friday, December 13, Amani Africa clarified that the poll, which featured the organization’s logo, was not conducted by them. The firm condemned the unauthorized use of its logo to spread misinformation and demanded its immediate withdrawal.
“This is utterly irresponsible. Using an organization that never undertook a poll is disinformation, misinformation, and maliciously criminal. Amani Africa totally rejects this act and demands the immediate withdrawal of the unauthorized use of its logo.
“We categorically reject the misuse of our logo and inform everyone that Amani Africa did not carry out any poll. Its logo has been misused to propagate misinformation,” the organization stated.
The disputed poll, now discredited by Amani Africa, claimed that Kenya’s candidate, Raila Odinga, was leading the race for AUC chairperson, followed by Djibouti’s Mahamoud Ali Youssouf.
The controversy arises as the three candidates vying to succeed outgoing AUC Chairperson Moussa Faki gear up for a live debate on Friday evening, December 13, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The candidates—Raila Odinga, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti, and Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato—will outline their visions for the African Union during the televised debate from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. East African Time.
The debate, part of the Africa Leadership Debate series, will provide the candidates with a platform to address pressing issues, including continental integration, youth empowerment, and regional security. The AUC elections are slated for February 2025.
Amani Africa’s strong stance against misinformation underscores the importance of integrity in the build-up to the elections.
