August 27, 2024 NAIROBI – South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir was among the dignitaries who attended the official launch of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship on Tuesday. The launch, held at the State House in Nairobi, marked a significant endorsement of Raila from East African nations. Other attendees included Presidents Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and Samia Suluhu of Tanzania. Burundi was represented by Prime Minister Gervais Ndirakobuca, and Rwanda by former Defense Minister James Kabarebe. Each leader voiced strong support for Odinga, emphasizing his Pan-African credentials and commitment to regional and continental progress. President Kiir praised Odinga’s dedication to African prosperity and urged the region to back his candidacy.
“My presence here today is to confirm that South Sudan endorses this decision. I have known the Right Hon Raila Odinga for many years, and I admire his Pan-African commitment and consistency. His zeal and dedication to pan-African prosperity will be of great value to the African Union,” Kiir said. President Suluhu highlighted Odinga’s contributions to the African Union’s founding goals and stressed the need for institutional reforms within the AU. Ndirakobuca emphasized the historical ties between Burundi and Kenya and expressed confidence in Odinga’s qualifications.
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and President Museveni also offered their endorsements, reflecting on Odinga’s leadership qualities and the broader implications for Africa’s future. Odinga’s bid symbolizes the collective East African ambition for the top position in the AU.
