President William Ruto has declared that Equatorial Guinea and Togo support Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship ahead of the February elections. This endorsement was made during Ruto’s visit to Ghana for President John Mahama’s inauguration. Odinga is among three candidates vying for the AUC leadership, and his campaign gains momentum through vital regional support, including a recent withdrawal of Mauritius from the race in his favor.
President William Ruto has announced that both Equatorial Guinea and Togo have officially endorsed Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship. This declaration was made during Ruto’s visit to Accra, Ghana, where he attended the inauguration of President John Mahama. As part of his efforts to garner support, Ruto held discussions with key leaders, including Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, the Vice President of Equatorial Guinea, and Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé, both of whom pledged their nations’ backing for Odinga.
Ruto is strategically utilizing the attendance of over ten African leaders at Mahama’s inauguration to further bolster Odinga’s continental bid. The meeting with President Gnassingbé was particularly significant, given the previous interactions between Odinga and the Togolese leader during Odinga’s extensive tour in West Africa last year. In a statement shared on social media, Ruto revealed, “President Gnassingbé pledged his support for Raila Odinga’s candidature for the African Union Commission chairperson.”
Odinga’s growing support base is further evidenced by Mauritius’ recent decision to withdraw its own bid for the AUC chairmanship in favor of Odinga. As the political landscape in Africa continues to evolve, Ruto emphasized the importance of inclusive dialogues among stakeholders in shaping the continent’s future, particularly regarding reforms and development strategies.
With the AUC elections approaching in February, Raila Odinga, who celebrated his 80th birthday recently, is competing against two other contenders, namely the current diplomat from Djibouti and Madagascar’s former foreign minister.
The African Union Commission (AUC) plays a pivotal role in the governance and development of the African continent, dealing with issues such as peace and security, economic development, and governance reforms. Raila Odinga, a veteran politician from Kenya, is seeking the AUC chairmanship amidst a backdrop of significant political shifts within various African nations. The recent election of John Mahama in Ghana, amidst economic challenges faced by the previous administration, exemplifies the changing political dynamics in the region. As countries navigate their political landscapes, endorsements from influential leaders like Ruto can significantly impact candidacies for prominent positions such as the AUC chairperson.
In conclusion, President William Ruto’s announcement of endorsements from Equatorial Guinea and Togo for Raila Odinga’s AUC chairmanship bid highlights the emerging support for Odinga as the February elections approach. Ruto’s efforts to leverage the inauguration of President Mahama demonstrate an astute political strategy aimed at consolidating regional backing for Odinga. The evolving political context in Africa, marked by Mahama’s return to power and the withdrawal of Mauritius’ bid, underscores the significance of these developments and their potential impact on the continent’s governance.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
