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Boost for Raila as Guinea-Bissau, Angola back his AUC chair bid

ODM leaders, led by opposition chief Raila Odinga, address a press conference at Capitol Hill in Nairobi on April 3, 2024. (Photo: ODM)

By Bashir Mohammed | 06 Apr 2024

Guinea-Bissau's President, General Umaro Sissoco Embalo, also announced his country's support for Raila's candidature during Kenyan President William Ruto's state visit to Guinea-Bissau.

Raila Odinga's candidature for the chairperson of the African Union Commission has gained significant momentum after Guinea-Bissau and Angola pledged their support for his bid.

Angola's Ambassador to Kenya, Sianga Abilio, confirmed his country's support during the 22nd anniversary of Angola's peace and national reconciliation celebration at the Angola Embassy in Nairobi.

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"Angola is aware of and is working on that issue, and they will not let Kenya down as a brother country," Abilio stated.

Guinea-Bissau's President, General Umaro Sissoco Embalo, also announced his country's support for Raila's candidature during Kenyan President William Ruto's state visit to Guinea-Bissau.

"Kenya's candidature is informed by the role we play in enhancing and sustaining the pan-African agenda," President Ruto emphasised.

"We hope to work with all member states in the African Union's endeavour to achieve Agenda 2063."

Two-thirds majority

The election for the AUC chairperson, set for February next year, demands a two-thirds majority vote from member states in the absence of a consensus.

The competition for the continent's top position has heated up after the Executive Council Ministerial meeting on April 2, which decided that the Eastern region will nominate the chairperson and the Northern region will nominate the deputy chairperson.

"The Eastern region shall submit candidates for the position of chairperson. The Northern Region shall submit candidates for the position of deputy chairperson," the council directed.

Raila has already secured backing from Rwanda and Uganda after meeting with Presidents Paul Kagame and Yoweri Museveni.

Ruto has emphasised the East African region's united support for Raila's candidature to succeed outgoing chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat.

Raila has been engaging in extensive diplomatic efforts, visiting various nations to garner endorsements for the Eastern Africa-reserved seat, with Ruto amplifying support for his bid.

Raila's candidature has gained significant traction in recent days, with Ghana also pledging support during President Ruto's state visit to the country.