List of Countries That Have Endorsed Raila’s AU Chairmanship Bid
President William Ruto officially endorsed Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship on Tuesday at State House, Nairobi.
President Ruto announced that seven countries have already committed full support for Raila ahead of the February 2025 elections at the AU’s headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
All East African Community (EAC) member states have confirmed their backing. Notable endorsements have come from Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, South Sudan’s Salva Kiir, Burundian Prime Minister Gervais Ndirakobuca, and Rwandan President Paul Kagame.
Additional support has been pledged by Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Felix Tshisekedi and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Several dignitaries from across Africa attended the event to express solidarity with Raila. Among them were former Nigerian President Oluṣẹgun Ọbasanjọ and former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete.
“We’re confident that presenting a highly qualified, experienced, and competent candidate to lead the AU Commission aligns with our commitment to the continent’s transformation through Pan-African unity,” President Ruto stated.
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Tanzanian President Suluhu added, “Tanzania fully supports Kenya in backing Raila Odinga for AUC Chairperson.”
Ọbasanjọ noted, “This level of homegrown support for a candidate, as we see with Raila, is unprecedented. It’s not just Kenya’s endorsement but that of the entire East African Community.”
Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi emphasized that the government will fully support Raila’s campaign following the launch.
Kenya has officially submitted Raila’s candidature, with Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Dr. Korir Sing’Oei leading the bid.
Raila aims to replace outgoing AU Chairperson Mousa Faki Mahamat of Chad, supported by President Ruto and other continental leaders.
Earlier this month, Somali Foreign Minister Fawzia Yusuf withdrew from the race and endorsed Raila, giving his campaign a significant boost.
To secure the position, Raila needs 66% of the votes, equivalent to 32 countries.
He is competing against Djibouti’s Mohamoud Youssouf, Mauritius’ Anil Gayan, and Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato.
List of Countries That Have Endorsed Raila’s AU Chairmanship Bid
