President William Ruto announced that Equatorial Guinea and Togo have endorsed Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the African Union Commission chairmanship ahead of February elections. Ruto made this announcement during President Mahama’s inauguration in Ghana where he garnered support from several African leaders. Odinga, now 80 years old, faces two competitors for the position with endorsements from multiple countries enhancing his campaign.
President William Ruto recently announced that both Equatorial Guinea and Togo have formally endorsed Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC) ahead of the upcoming elections scheduled for February. This announcement was made during his visit to Accra, Ghana, where he attended the inauguration of President John Mahama.
While in Ghana, President Ruto engaged in discussions with Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue of Equatorial Guinea, who committed the nation’s support to Odinga’s bid. Additionally, Ruto met with Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé, who also pledged support after previous discussions with Odinga during his West African tour. Ruto remarked on X, saying, “President Gnassingbé pledged his support for Raila Odinga’s candidature for the African Union Commission chairperson.”
The support from these nations comes at a crucial time, as Ruto is seeking to galvanize further backing from the gathering of over ten African leaders present at Mahama’s inauguration ceremony. This event marks the return of Mahama to power as Ghana’s president, following his prior term from 2012 to 2017 after defeating Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia.
As the inauguration occurs at the iconic Black Star Square in Accra, Odinga’s campaign continues to gain momentum. With the backing of Mauritius, which has withdrawn its AUC chairmanship bid in favor of Odinga, he now faces two significant competitors: Djibouti’s current foreign minister and Madagascar’s former foreign minister. Now at the age of 80, Odinga’s long-standing ambitions for continental leadership are undergoing a critical phase with the upcoming elections.
The African Union Commission (AUC) plays a vital role in setting the agenda for Africa’s political and economic landscape. The commission works on various issues, including peace and security, and reforms that affect the integration of the continent. Raila Odinga, a prominent Kenyan politician, has been a long-term advocate for African unity and cooperation. His candidacy for the AUC chairmanship represents a continuation of this vision. The support he has garnered from nations like Equatorial Guinea and Togo indicates a potential shift in endorsements leading up to the February elections.
In summary, President Ruto’s announcement of Equatorial Guinea and Togo’s support solidifies Raila Odinga’s position in the race for the AUC chairmanship. With additional support from Mauritius and crucial backing from influential leaders, Odinga’s candidacy appears to be gaining substantial momentum as the election approaches. His experience and dedication to African unity may resonate well amid the continent’s pressing challenges and aspirations for transformation.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
