President Ruto and AUC Chair Moussa Faki on the Reforms, Leadership Transition in the African Union
Session: High-Level Meeting in Narok County
President William Ruto welcomed African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson Moussa Faki to Kilgoris, Narok County, for discussions on specific and concrete measures to improve AU. They also discussed the forthcoming elections for the AUC Chairpersonship because it was a critical step change in the leadership of the organization.
Raila Odinga’s Candidacy for AUC Chairperson
Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga has listed himself through the African Union (AU) Assembly of Heads of State & Government to be considered for the next AUC Chairperson when Moussa Faki leaves office in 2025. The key issues pegged on Odinga’s campaign are promoting the African continent international voice and vying for two slots on the United Nations Security Council to boost the continental voice on security issues.
The Blessings of President Ruto on different agendas, such as endorsement of Odinga.
Ruto has come out in the open supporting Odinga’s presidential bid and asking Kenyans and the international community to do the same. The support indicates a renewed Kenyan call for increased participation in the African and other global forums.
A Competitive Race
Raila Odinga stands a chance to compete with Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato, all of whom have started their campaigns to head the AUC. The election is expected to be a defining moment for the AU in terms of defining the organization’s agenda and direction of reforms for the coming years.
Africa’s Drive for Reforms
Ruto’s meeting with Faki goes to show that there is a lot of work to be done when it comes to institutional development for the current African challenges. Possible topics maybe likely to have covered areas such as; improving the operational efficiency of the AU, increasing the financial resources base of the AU, and strengthening the AU’s capacity in managing continental and global challenges.
The elections that are due in AUC offer Africa another chance at entrenching itself as a leader in the international community. As Raila Odinga’s candidature builds up steam and with the support of the incumbent President William Ruto, Kenya steps up to be a key power broker of the African Union. These changes underscore the collective desire of the continent to effect change and improve their representation in decision making bodies around the globe.