Guinea Bissau behind Raila's AUC Chair bid, says Ruto after meeting President Embaló
Ruto highlighted that Kenya's candidature is informed by the country's longstanding commitment to championing the Pan-African agenda and delivering on the continent's aspirations.
President William Ruto on Saturday announced that Guinea Bissau is now supporting Raila Odinga's bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship.
This follows a meeting with Guinea Bissau's President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, who is currently in Kenya for a State visit.
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Speaking during their joint briefing at State House, Nairobi, Ruto expressed gratitude to President Embaló for backing Odinga's candidature.
"Allow me, Your Excellency, to conclude by giving you my assurance and that of the government and people of Kenya of the friendship and partnership between Kenya and your great country," Ruto stated.
"In the context of the forthcoming African Union Commission (AUC) elections, I express my deep appreciation to Your Excellency for Guinea-Bissau's endorsement of Kenya's candidate for the position of AUC Chairperson for the 2025-2028 term."
Ruto highlighted that Kenya's candidature is informed by the country's longstanding commitment to championing the Pan-African agenda and delivering on the continent's aspirations.
"I am confident that our candidate will provide visionary and results-driven leadership, prioritising the needs and aspirations of member states," he added.
Guinea Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embaló inspects a military guard of honour at State House, Nairobi on January 25, 2025. (Photo: PCS)
"Second home"
President Ruto also lauded the friendship between Kenya and Guinea Bissau, calling Kenya a "second home" for President Embaló and affirming the strong ties between the two nations.
Raila, Kenya's former Prime Minister, has been on an intensive charm offensive campaign trail across Africa, seeking endorsements for the AUC chairmanship ahead of next month's elections in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
He recently met leaders in Algeria, Mauritania, and Mozambique, where he presented his vision for Africa's unity and economic prosperity.
African Union Chairperson candidate Raila Odinga (left) when he met Namibia's President Dr Nangolo Mbumb at Statehouse in Windhoek on January 15, 2024. (Photo: X/Raila Odinga)
"I shared my vision for the African Union and the need to further strengthen Pan-Africanism for continental prosperity," he said during a visit to Algiers, Algeria.
In Nouakchott, Mauritania, Raila engaged with African Union Chairperson Mohamed Ould Ghazouani and other leaders.
He described his candidacy as centred on Africa's unity and the quest for economic independence.
Raila is competing against Djibouti's Mahamoud Youssouf and Madagascar's Richard Randriamandrato for the AUC chairmanship.
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