Ruto Gains Zimbabwe’s Backing for Raila’s AUC Chair Bid
Kenya is strengthening its position in the race for the African Union Commission Chairperson role, receiving additional support from Zimbabwe.
On Saturday, April 27, President William Ruto revealed his support for a decision following discussions between Kenya and Zimbabwe.
“I am assured that Kenya and Zimbabwe will persist in conferring and backing each other on a multitude of issues of bilateral, regional, and continental significance alongside the African Union Agenda 2063,” President Ruto states.
Kenya aims to lead the continent by assuming the role of African Union chairperson from 2025 to 2028. The country gained support after the African Union Executive Council decided in March to back a candidate from the Eastern Africa region.
President Ruto emphasizes Kenya’s dedication to advancing the Pan-African cause, highlighting the country’s key position in this effort.
At a meeting at the Bulawayo State House in Zimbabwe, President Ruto highlights Kenya’s goals during bilateral discussions with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
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Both countries strengthened their alliance by signing nine Memorandums of Understanding during the discussions. The agreements cover a wide range of areas, such as transport, infrastructure, health, education, defense, trade, and investments.
Raila is facing a challenge from Somalia and Djibouti for the post.
Somalia proposed its former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister, Fawzia Adam, a prominent Somali politician, while Djibouti joined the race last month, proposing their Foreign Affairs Minister, Mahamoud Youssouf, for the post.
With the term of the incumbent AU Commission Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, concluding in early 2025 after serving a maximum of two four-year terms, the stage is set for a new leader to emerge.
The electoral process requires candidates to secure at least two-thirds of the votes from member states during the general assembly elections, highlighting the significance of garnering broad support across the continent.
While the race to replace Faki continues to heat up, Kenya’s influence on the continent is coming in handy for Raila. In April, President Ruto launched a shadow diplomacy campaign in West Africa to drum up support for Odinga.
Raila has received endorsement from at least countries including; Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan, the DRC, South Africa, Ghana, Angola, and Guinea Bissau.
Ruto Gains Zimbabwe’s Backing for Raila’s AUC Chair Bid