Azimio leader Raila Odinga has intensified his campaign for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship with a series of high-profile diplomatic visits across the continent.
On Monday, Raila met Morocco’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Nasser Bourita, in Rabat, where he outlined his vision to strengthen Africa’s unity, growth, and prosperity.
In a statement following their discussions, Raila emphasized the importance of infrastructure development, visa-free movement, and increased intra-African trade as key priorities to achieve sustainable development and create opportunities for the continent’s youth.
“Our deliberations focused on my vision for the continent and my plans to strengthen and enhance the effectiveness of the AUC if elected,” Raila said, adding that unity among Africans would help amplify the continent’s global voice.
Bourita welcomed Raila’s visit, terming it significant in understanding his candidacy and plans for the AUC.
Raila’s visit to Morocco comes days after a meeting with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki in Asmara, where Afwerki expressed his support for Raila’s candidacy. During their discussions, Raila highlighted his goal to enhance Pan-Africanism by fostering connectivity and easing the movement of people and goods across the continent.
“My vision is to strengthen the bonds of Pan-Africanism through the AU by enhancing connectivity to facilitate the movement of people and goods,” he stated.
Raila’s diplomatic tours underscore his growing momentum ahead of the AUC elections scheduled for February 2025 during the 38th African Union Summit of Heads of State in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
He is vying to succeed Moussa Faki, who is completing his second term as AUC chairperson. Raila will face competition from Djibouti’s Mahamoud Ali Youssouf and Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato.
Notably, candidates from Somalia, Mauritius, and Seychelles have withdrawn from the race, leaving Raila as one of the top contenders.
So far, Raila has secured endorsements from 21 member states, bolstering his campaign as he continues to advocate for a united and prosperous Africa.
