African Union Exec. Council supports EAC for next AU Commission Chair

Summary:

• The African Union Executive Council unanimously supports an African candidate for the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, with Kenya endorsing Raila Odinga. This decision marks a breakthrough for East Africa, with efforts ongoing to ensure continent-wide unity in selecting effective leadership.

The Executive Council of the African Union has unanimously endorsed a candidate from the continent for the position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi emphasized the significance of having an African leader in this role while advocating for the candidacy of Opposition Leader Raila Odinga.

Mudavadi hailed the decision as a significant milestone for the Eastern Africa region, enabling it to nominate candidates for the AUC Chairperson position.

Confirming Raila Odinga’s participation in the race for the AU Commission Chairperson, Mudavadi expressed Kenya’s readiness to submit its candidate without encountering further technical or legal obstacles.

Mudavadi, also serving as the Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary, assured collaboration with the 14-member states of the Eastern African region to garner support for Kenya’s candidate.

Furthermore, the decision allocates the Northern African region to nominate candidates for the Deputy Chairperson role, while the Central, Southern, and Western regions will vie for the six Commissioner positions.

Mudavadi stressed the ongoing efforts to engage all regions in selecting capable leadership for the AUC, aiming to foster unity across the entire continent.