Ruto says Equatorial Guinea and Togo back Raila Odinga's AUC chairmanship bid
Ruto is leveraging the gathering of over 10 African leaders attending Mahama's inauguration to rally additional support for Odinga's continental bid.
President William Ruto has announced that Equatorial Guinea and Togo have endorsed Raila Odinga's bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship ahead of the February elections.
Ruto made the declaration while in Accra, Ghana, where he is attending the inauguration of President John Mahama.
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During his visit, Ruto held a meeting with Equatorial Guinea's Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, a close ally, who pledged his country's backing for Odinga's candidacy.
He also engaged Togolese President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, who had previously met Odinga late last year during his extensive West African tour.
"President Gnassingbé pledged his support for Raila Odinga's candidature for the African Union Commission chairperson," Ruto shared on his X account, adding that, "I also met the Equatorial Guinea Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, who committed his country's support for Hon. Raila Odinga's AUC chairperson bid."
Ruto is leveraging the gathering of over 10 African leaders attending Mahama's inauguration to rally additional support for Odinga's continental bid.
John Mahama, the Ghanaian opposition leader, recently staged a political comeback, winning the presidential election with 56% of the vote against Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, who garnered 41%.
This victory marks Mahama's return to power, having previously served as Ghana's president from 2012 to 2017.
Mahama succeeds President Nana Akufo-Addo, whose final term was marred by significant economic challenges, including Ghana's worst financial crisis in years, a debt default, and an IMF bailout.
The inauguration ceremony is taking place at the historic Black Star Square in Accra.
Meanwhile, Raila Odinga arrived in Mauritius on Monday, where he was warmly received by Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam. Mauritius recently withdrew its bid for the AUC chairmanship in favour of Odinga's candidacy.
Odinga, who turned 80 today, is among three contenders for the AUC position in the February elections.
His competitors include Djibouti's current top diplomat and Madagascar's former foreign minister.
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