Raila Odinga’s Plan: Make River Nile Navigable From the Mediterranean Sea as He Eyes AU Chair Post
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Tuesday expressed his aspiration to see Africa connected through an extensive infrastructure network.
Raila, who is aiming for the position of Africa Union Commission (AUC) chairperson, made these remarks during a meeting with Algeria’s Ambassador to Kenya, Mahi Boumediene.
He mentioned that one way to achieve this goal is by making the River Nile navigable from Uganda to the Mediterranean Sea.
As AUC Chairperson, Raila would have significant executive authority and influence over how the Union allocates its infrastructure budget.
Furthermore, Raila is familiar with Africa’s transport challenges, having served as the African Union High Representative for Infrastructure Development from 2018 to 2022.
The River Nile, one of the longest rivers in the world, is not fully navigable due to crystalline rocks that create large cataracts.
Sections between these cataracts are navigable by boats, and Raila envisions making the entire 6,650-kilometre length navigable.
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Raila noted that Algeria and Kenya share a history of armed struggles for independence and Pan-African ideals, and therefore have similar visions for the continent’s progress.
He emphasized that while Kenya and other African nations can celebrate the end of colonialism, there is a need for tangible achievements to demonstrate the benefits of independence.
“We agreed on the need to leave Africa’s painful past behind and advance the continent through trade and transformative infrastructure, including transcontinental railways, trans-Africa highways, African open skies, and making the River Nile navigable from the Mediterranean Sea,” Raila said.
The former prime minister did not specify if Algeria had committed to voting for him in the February 2025 elections, but a statement from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) indicated that he had received an invitation to visit Nigeria.
“Raila and Boumediene discussed the future of the continent and ways to enhance its greatness. Ambassador Boumediene Mahi extended an invitation to Odinga to visit Algeria,” noted the ODM statement.
Raila already has the backing of East African Community (EAC) countries, as well as Ghana, Angola, and Guinea Bissau.
Raila Odinga’s Plan: Make River Nile Navigable From the Mediterranean Sea as He Eyes AU Chair Post