The African Union has unanimously granted the Eastern Africa region the right to nominate the next Chairperson of the African Union Commission in the upcoming February 2025 elections. This decision marks a significant breakthrough for the region, paving the way for prominent figures like Rtd Hon Raila Odinga to enter the race for the AU Commission chairmanship.
President Kagame Endorses Raila Odinga’s Bid for AU Chairmanship
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi hailed this development as a milestone achievement, emphasizing its alignment with Kenya’s longstanding advocacy efforts. Mudavadi, who played a pivotal role in lobbying for the decision, expressed confidence that it would eliminate any potential technical or legal obstacles faced by Odinga in his pursuit of the AU Commission chairperson position.
Under the new directive, the Northern African region will nominate candidates for the Deputy Chairperson role, while the Central, Southern, and Western regions will vie for the six positions of commissioners. Mudavadi underscored the importance of fostering collaboration within the 14-member Eastern Africa region to rally support behind its candidate.
He emphasized that ongoing efforts will focus on building consensus across all regions to ensure the selection of capable leadership for the African Union Commission. This inclusive approach aims to unify the continent and strengthen the AU’s capacity to address the diverse challenges facing Africa.
The decision reflects a collective commitment to enhancing regional representation and promoting effective governance within the African Union. As preparations for the 2025 elections gain momentum, East Africa stands poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future direction of the AU Commission, fostering unity, and advancing the continent’s interests on the global stage.
