Namibia’s President Endorses Raila Odinga for African Union Commission Chairmanship
Namibia’s President Nangolo Mbumba has expressed support for Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission. Odinga is gathering endorsements from various African nations, emphasizing the need for unity, improved trade, and infrastructure development. He aims to address youth empowerment while navigating competition from candidates from Djibouti and Madagascar.
President Nangolo Mbumba has pledged Namibia’s support for Raila Odinga, the former Kenyan prime minister, who is campaigning for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC). Odinga visited President Mbumba to seek support as he travels throughout Africa, specifically beginning his campaign in southern Africa, where he has already visited Zimbabwe and Mauritius.
Odinga expressed that he was encouraged by friends across the continent to run for the AUC position. In response, Mbumba firmly stated, “Not maybe, we are telling you, you should.” However, when pressed for an official statement regarding Namibia’s support for Odinga’s candidacy, the presidential press secretary, Alfredo Hengari, stated that no comment would be forthcoming.
To secure his candidacy, Odinga requires the backing of 30 member states. He faces competition from two other candidates: Djibouti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Mahamoud Ali Youssouf and Madagascar’s former Finance Minister Richard Randriamandrato.
During the press interaction, Odinga articulated his vision, drawing inspiration from the founding fathers’ speeches made in 1963 advocating for a united Africa. He criticized the current challenges of travel and trade across the continent, highlighting the numerous visa restrictions and barriers that hinder regional mobility.
Odinga called for enhanced infrastructure, including the development of a high-speed railway network across Africa and the reduction of visa complications to foster free movement. He highlighted key connections between cities such as Cape Town and Cairo, as well as Dakar and Lagos.
Additionally, Odinga emphasized the importance of addressing the needs of Africa’s youth, who represent 70% of the continent’s population. He underscored the necessity for improved internet accessibility and utilization of artificial intelligence to empower young Africans in contributing to the continent’s development.
Raila Odinga, a former prime minister of Kenya, is actively campaigning for the AUC chairmanship, necessitating support from member states across Africa. The African Union plays a pivotal role in promoting unity and cooperation among African nations, addressing socio-economic challenges, and facilitating regional development initiatives. Odinga’s focus includes trade, youth empowerment, and infrastructural development to enhance connectivity within the continent, aligning with the aspirations articulated by the continent’s founding leaders.
In summary, President Mbumba’s endorsement of Raila Odinga signals Namibia’s potential support in his quest for the AUC chairmanship. Odinga’s campaign emphasizes unity, improved trade and travel, infrastructure development, and youth empowerment to achieve a prosperous Africa. His vision seeks to realize the founding fathers’ dreams of a united continent amid existing challenges in regional mobility and cooperation.
Original Source: www.namibian.com.na
