Raila Odinga cancelled Chatham House lecture ahead of AU Commission debate
By Mwangi Maina |
The Chatham House event was initially scheduled for Thursday, ahead of the Mjadala Afrika debate on Friday.
On the eve of the African Union Commission (AUC) Mjadala Afrika debate held in Addis Ababa, Raila Odinga was set to deliver a public lecture at Chatham House in London last Thursday, focusing on continental issues, including the Pan-African Commission.
However, the engagement was cancelled at the last minute. Raila, who is vying to succeed Chadian Moussa Faki as the AUC Chairperson, was expected to outline his vision for the African Union (AU) and its future.
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The lecture, which was scheduled to be broadcast on social media platforms, was abruptly called off due to what was described as “unforeseen circumstances,” according to a letter seen by The Eastleigh Voice.
“Unfortunately, Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga EGH will no longer be travelling to the UK next week and will therefore be unable to join us at Chatham House on this occasion,” read the letter from the London-based think tank.
“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. We will notify you as soon as a new date for the event has been confirmed and look forward to welcoming you to Chatham House in the future,” it added.
The Chatham House event was initially scheduled for Thursday, ahead of the Mjadala Afrika debate on Friday.
Raila’s planned address at a European venue has drawn attention, particularly as his competitors have been engaging with African platforms, such as Amani Africa, and granting interviews to regional think tanks.
Chatham House, formally known as the Royal Institute of International Affairs, is a prominent British think tank based in London.
Its mission is “to help governments and societies build a sustainably secure, prosperous, and just world.”
The institute is also renowned as the originator of the Chatham House Rule.
Raila is no stranger to the platform, having previously delivered addresses there, including during the 2022 Kenyan Presidential elections.
The AUC Chairperson election is set for February during the AU Heads of State Summit in Addis Ababa.
Alongside the chairperson, a deputy chairperson will also be elected by African leaders, while commissioners for the AU Commission will be selected by the Executive Council, which comprises the continent’s foreign affairs ministers.
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