Raila campaigns in Kinshasa despite growing diplomatic rift with Kenya

Kenya's candidate for the African Union Commission chairmanship, Raila Odinga, has claimed that he received the endorsement of Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi during a Thursday meeting in Kinshasa.

Raila, who is officially backed by President William Ruto, is vying to succeed Chadian Moussa Faki as the next African Union Commission (AUC) boss.

"I met with DRC President Felix Tshisekedi today to discuss my AUC bid. Our conversation centred on the foundational issues of security, development, and climate change—essential for creating lasting prosperity and advancing our shared future," Raila posted on his X account on Thursday evening, adding, "I thank him for his endorsement."

Despite Raila's confident assertion, the official communication from Kinshasa was noticeably more reserved.

The DRC's statement merely acknowledged the meeting and noted that Raila had "come to seek the DRC's support for the position of chairman of the African Union Commission."

It further quoted Raila’s commitment: "If elected chairman of the AUC to succeed Moussa Faki Mahamat, Mr Odinga vows to make all arrangements and act for a gun silence in view of sustainable peace in the Eastern DRC."

However, this diplomatic exchange comes amid a silent but significant deterioration of relations between Nairobi and Kinshasa, largely due to President Ruto’s controversial positions on the conflict in Eastern Congo.

I met with DRC President Felix Tshisekedi today to discuss my AUC bid.

Our conversation centered on the foundational issues of security, development, and climate change—essential for creating lasting prosperity and advancing our shared future.

I thank him for his endorsement. pic.twitter.com/b0Uvb7vZT8

— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) August 15, 2024

The rift has escalated to the point where the DRC has refused to accept credentials from Kenya’s ambassador-designate to Kinshasa, Col. (Rtd) Shem Amadi, who reported for duty last December.

The DRC government also recalled its envoy from Nairobi, further indicating its discontent.

These developments cast a shadow over the much-touted personal friendship between President Tshisekedi and Raila, potentially putting it to a critical test as political and diplomatic tensions rise between the two countries in the run-up to the AUC elections next February.

Raila has long been thought to enjoy a close relationship with President Tshisekedi, whose father, Etienne Tshisekedi, was a prominent opposition leader in the DRC.

This perceived camaraderie, however, is now in question as Kinshasa's actions suggest a growing rift.

Complicating matters further is Raila’s apparent closeness with Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who, in an interview with Kenya’s NTV, expressed his willingness to endorse Raila's candidature.

The relationship with Kagame could exacerbate tensions, given the strained relations between the DRC and Rwanda.

As the election draws nearer, the balancing act for Raila becomes increasingly delicate.

The story is far from over, with the February elections likely to test the strength of personal friendships against the backdrop of national interests and continental politics.