Ruto Secures Endorsements for Raila Odinga’s AUC Chairmanship Bid

President William Ruto announced endorsements for Raila Odinga’s AUC chairmanship bid from Equatorial Guinea and Togo during the inauguration of President John Mahama in Ghana. With strategic discussions held with key leaders, Odinga’s candidacy gains momentum ahead of the February elections, positioning him favorably among other contenders while addressing vital issues facing Africa.

President William Ruto announced that both Equatorial Guinea and Togo have pledged their support for Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC) ahead of the upcoming elections in February. Ruto made this statement during his attendance at the inauguration of Ghana’s President John Mahama in Accra, where over ten African leaders were present.

During his visit, Ruto conversed with Equatorial Guinea’s Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, who reaffirmed his country’s commitment to backing Odinga’s bid. Additionally, Ruto met with Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé, who had previously connected with Odinga during his tour of West Africa. Ruto shared on social media, “President Gnassingbé pledged his support for Raila Odinga’s candidature for the African Union Commission chairperson,” underscoring the significance of this endorsement in securing wider regional support for Odinga.

Ruto’s efforts are part of a broader strategy to navigate the political landscape following Mahama’s recent electoral victory, where he garnered 56% of the vote, marking his return to the presidency after his previous term from 2012 to 2017. This inauguration follows Mahama’s triumph over Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia amid Ghana’s economic challenges, including a debt crisis and subsequent IMF assistance.

Odinga’s campaign received a further boost from Mauritius, which recently withdrew its own AUC bid to support his candidacy. Having recently celebrated his 80th birthday, Odinga is one of three candidates vying for the AUC chairmanship, including Djibouti’s current foreign minister and Madagascar’s former foreign minister.

The African Union Commission (AUC) is a pivotal institution responsible for facilitating cooperation among African countries and is instrumental in addressing issues like peace, security, and socio-economic development. Raila Odinga, a seasoned political figure in Kenya, has been nominated for the chairmanship, aiming to enhance the continent’s integration and reform processes. With the upcoming elections scheduled for February, support from key African nations is crucial in shaping the dynamics of this election and influencing regional cooperation.

In summary, Ruto’s announcement of support from Equatorial Guinea and Togo significantly bolsters Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the African Union Commission chairmanship. As political leaders convene in Ghana, the backing from these two nations, alongside support from Mauritius, positions Odinga favorably in this competitive electoral landscape. With the context of Mahama’s electoral win and the challenging economic backdrop in Ghana, Odinga retains a substantial opportunity to advance his agenda at the continental level.

Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke