AUC Race: How Many Presidents Has Raila Met So Far For His Candidacy? [LIST]

Raila Odinga has stepped up his campaign for the African Union Chairmanship as the competition for the top continental job nears its conclusion.

The former prime minister made a strong case for Africa’s development at the Mjadala Afrika discussion in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Friday, December 13, 2024.

Although Raila communicated his message to millions of African viewers who watched the discussion, his fate will not be determined by ordinary African citizens.

How AUC Elections Are Conducted

Instead, the leaders of the state and government will cast their votes.

The African Union’s Assembly of Heads of State and Government is in charge of electing the next AUC Chairperson.

In essence, Presidents and Prime Ministers will vote to elect the AUC chairperson.

The AUC chairperson’s seat will fall empty next year when the present holder, Chad’s Moussa Faki Mahamat, completes his two years in office.Faki was appointed in 2017 and will serve a second term in 2021.

The next AUC chair will be chosen at the 38th AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in February 2025.

The AUC chairperson is elected by the Assembly, which is made up of members from the 55 member nations, for a four-year term that can be renewed once.

To be elected AUC Chairperson, a candidate must receive a two-thirds majority of votes from the 55 member nations.

Raila will need at least 36 votes out of a possible 55, with each AU member state casting only one vote.

So far, Raila has received the support of several African leaders.

Raila’s AUC candidacy was officially declared in the State House in Nairobi in August 2024, and six East African Community (EAC) leaders promised their support for him.

East African Community

The leaders of Burundi, Kenya, South Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda all agreed that Raila is the best candidate for the continental position.

Somalia, which recently joined the EAC, is anticipated to vote in accordance with the regional grouping.

Earlier in August, Somali Foreign Minister Fawzia Yusuf withdrew from the tight contest and proclaimed her support for Raila, giving the former Prime Minister a major boost.

Raila also enjoys the support of DR Congo’s president, Felix Tshisekedi, who is a close ally.

Beyond the EAC, Raila has received help from Ethiopia, South Africa, Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Seychelles, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Algeria, and Angola.

Raila has intensified his efforts in West Africa over the last month, meeting with the presidents of Chad, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Ghana, and Togo.Raila has also met with the foreign ministers of various West and North African countries.

Raila recently visited with Eritrean President Hailemariam Desalegn.

Raila is currently in Southern Africa, marking the penultimate stage of his cross-Africa journey.