President William Ruto is actively promoting Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s bid for the position of chairperson of the African Union Commission.
Currently in Ghana for the inauguration of President-elect John Dramani Mahama, President Ruto is taking the opportunity to engage with African leaders attending the ceremony, urging them to support the Kenyan candidate. He is highlighting Odinga’s pan-African vision and proven leadership credentials.
Ahead of Mahama’s inauguration, President Ruto met with President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo on Tuesday morning, where he sought his backing for Odinga’s candidacy next month.
“President Gnassingbé pledged his support for Raila Odinga’s candidature for the African Union Commission chairperson,” Ruto noted after the meeting, which is viewed as a strategic effort to rally Francophone Africa in support of Odinga.
Indeed, Gnassingbé was not alone in his discussions. Ruto also met with the Vice-President of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, where the topic of Odinga’s candidacy dominated their agenda.
“In Accra, Ghana, met the Equatorial Guinea Vice-President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue who pledged his country’s support for Hon. Raila Odinga’s AUC chairperson bid,” Ruto stated following their meeting.
According to Ruto, Africa’s future hinges on inclusive dialogue among all stakeholders concerning the continent’s transformation agenda. He highlighted the need for reforms in the African Union, as well as issues of peace and security, and continental integration to enhance the private sector’s role in development under the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement.
Raila is also in the region seeking support from West African leaders. Yesterday, the Former Prime Minister was in Mauritius, where he met with Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam.
Raila expressed gratitude to Ramgoolam for his support and commitment to his AUC bid, particularly for withdrawing Mauritius’ candidacy for the coveted position in favour of Odinga.
