Raila Odinga with Olusegun Obasanjo
Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga has announced his interest in the African Union (AU) chairman position.
Addressing the media on Thursday at his Karen home, Raila said he has consulted widely and is ready to serve the continent in the position.
“I have been consulting widely. I think I’m ready to serve the continent of Africa. Africa deserves better,” said Raila during a joint press briefing with Obasanjo.
The former Prime Minister expressed his discontentment over the appalling state of affairs in African countries which ironically are rich in resources.
“I have served in the AU in the capacity of high representative, it gave me a good advantage to be able to learn about every African country for what they have and the comparative advantages and I believe that by walking together with the countries we can make Africa great,” he stated.
Obasanjo backed Raila to the AU top job which is currently held by Moussa Faki Mahamat whose term of office inches closer to an end.
Obasanjo noted that the rest of the continent is ready to support Raila to take up the role if the East African Community supports his candidature.
“I have no doubt that my friend who is standing next to me (Hon. Odinga) is the right person to take over the mantle. If the EAC region backs him, I believe the rest of the continent will support him,” Obasanjo stated.
He added, “People who have held the position of head of government either as President or PM are most suitable for this job. Looking at it critically, it is the turn of East Africa.”
Should Raila successfully clinch the role he will move to Adis Ababa, Ethiopia where AU headquarters are based.
He will be tasked with overall responsibility for the Commission’s administration and finances, promoting and popularising the AU’s objectives and enhancing its performance, and consulting and coordinating with key stakeholders like Member States, Development Partners, and RECs.
Raila will also have the power to appoint and manage Commission staff and act as a depository for all AU and OAU treaties and legal instruments.
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