Regional parliament EALA endorses Raila's AUC candidature

All East African Community (EAC) member states have been urged to rally behind the African Union Commission chairperson candidature of Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga.

This comes after a motion on Wednesday, passed by the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), expressed full support for Raila's bid.

The motion was moved by Suleiman Shabal, a Kenyan member of the regional parliament and seconded by Dr Abdullah Makame, a lawmaker from Tanzania.

"Recognising the outstanding national, regional, continental and international record of service and performance of Rt. Hon Raila Amolo Odinga as a Pan-Africanist, Statesman, Champion for Reform, architect for democracy and advocate for peace and peaceful resolution of disputes and his deep knowledge and understanding of the socio-economic landscape of the continent,'' read part of the communique from EALA.

The assembly expressed support and endorsed Raila's candidature as the chairperson of the AUC for the period 2025 to 2029.

Motion of the Assembly expressing support for the candidature of Hon @RailaOdinga , former Prime Minister of the Republic of Kenya as Chairperson of the African Union Commission is passed by the House pic.twitter.com/yV0rPVbaE0

— EALA (@EA_Bunge) March 20, 2024

The AU Commission is the secretariat of the AU, responsible for coordinating and liaising with member states, regional bodies, and external partners.

President William Ruto had earlier assured Kenyans of the East African nations backing Raila's bid.

President William Ruto, opposition leader Raila Odinga and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni are pictured at the latter's Kisozi country home on February 26, 2024. (Photo: PCS)

However, it is not clear when this decision was reached, especially considering Mogadishu has already also shown interest in the seat.

Ruto's remarks display the persistent struggle to achieve consensus in the Eastern African region.

When asked by The Eastleigh Voice if Presidents Samia Suluhu of Tanzania, Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, and Kenya's Ruto discussed the AUC contest and potential endorsements during their Zanzibar meeting last week, Zuhura Yunus, the press secretary for the Tanzanian president, responded with a "No", directing attention to a post tweeted by the Tanzanian presidency.

Rais Samia Suluhu Hassan, Rais Yoweri Museveni wa Uganda na Rais William Ruto wa Kenya wakiangalia picha ya Viongozi wa Nchi mbalimbali za Afrika wakati Rais Museveni alipomkabidhi Rais Samia zawadi hiyo baada ya mazungumzo yao Ikulu ndogo Tunguu Zanzibar tarehe 14 Machi, 2024. pic.twitter.com/MMEtTSfIzM

— ikulu_Tanzania (@ikulumawasliano) March 14, 2024

At the February summit in Addis Ababa, member states vied for the AU Peace and Security Council positions, with East Africa having only two vacancies for a two-year term.

Tanzania and Uganda sought a comeback to the council.

Eritrea, desiring greater representation within continental organs, initially expressed interest but eventually withdrew due to the sway held by Tanzania and Uganda, bolstered by their active involvement in peacekeeping efforts.

During the election of the AUC deputy chairperson in 2021, the presence of four East African candidates' competing for the position indicated a region divided amongst itself.

Open contestation was evident between Rwanda and Uganda for the position.

Uganda's attempt to have the elections postponed a few days before the summit failed.

The Rwandese candidate was elected to the position with 42 votes. It is not yet known whether Dr Monique Nsanzabaganwa of Rwanda, who is the current deputy chairperson, is interested in succeeding her boss, Moussa Faki as AUC Chair.