Raila Outlines 7 Promises He Will Fulfill as African Union Commission Chairman
Raila Odinga, the leader of the Azimio la Umoja Coalition, has outlined a series of commitments he intends to deliver upon assuming the role of chairperson of the African Union Commission.
In a statement on Friday, April 26, Odinga stated his commitment to facilitating the free movement of people across all African countries.
“It is regrettable that 60 years into independence, Africans have to fly to Europe to connect to certain parts of Africa and require multiple currencies and visas to access other African countries,” he stated.
During a gathering with European diplomats in Nairobi to discuss bilateral, regional, and global matters, the opposition leader advocated for a free trade system and continental integration across Africa, emphasizing the importance of eliminating non-trade barriers.
In his set of commitments, the former Prime Minister pledged to promote international collaboration, develop infrastructure, establish open airspace policies, and invest in energy and internet connectivity.
The local leaders explored the ongoing firm commitment to political, security, economic, and humanitarian assistance for Kenya and other African countries, emphasizing the importance of unity and peace across the nations.
“We reviewed the situation in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo and the need for lasting peace in the region,” the statement read in part.
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Optimistic about his campaign for the AUC chairmanship, Odinga pledged to address unfinished projects across the continent, pointing out that navigation issues on the River Nile have hindered trade activities.
“I hope that as chairman of the AUC, I will help the continent embark on long-deferred dreams including making River Nile navigable and connecting the Atlantic Ocean and Lake Victoria – Lake Tanganyika water bodies to facilitate efficient logistics in the interiors,” Odinga promised.
As the nation moves ahead with its bid campaign, Odinga has encountered several challenges, such as the addition of more candidates to the contest, restrictive regulations established by pertinent councils, and opposition from other contenders.
The AUC bid has seen three candidates so far: Kenya’s Raila Odinga, Somalia’s Fawzia Yusuf Adam, and the most recent contender, Djibouti’s Mahamoud Ali Youssouf.
“Both regions can submit male and female candidates. The gender of the elected Chairperson will determine the gender of the Deputy Chairperson to be elected,” the Executive Council Ministerial concluded after a meeting on April 2.
Raila Outlines 7 Promises He Will Fulfill as African Union Commission Chairman