Azimio la Umoja Coalition leader Raila Odinga has listed several promises he will fulfil once appointed as the Africa Union Commission chairperson.
In a statement released on Friday, April 26, Odinga noted that he will work towards ensuring the African continent provides free movement for people across all nations.
“It is regrettable that 60 years into independence, Africans have to fly to Europe to connect to certain parts of Africa and require multiple currencies and visas to access other African countries,” he stated.
In a meeting held with European diplomats in Nairobi to exchange views on bilateral, regional and global issues, the opposition leader vouched for a free trade regime and integration across the African continent, insisting on the need to remove non-trade barriers.
In his list of promises, the former Prime Minister also vowed to ensure there was global cooperation, infrastructure development, open skies and investment in energy and internet connectivity.
The regional leaders discussed the existing steadfast political, security, economic, and humanitarian support for Kenya and other African countries, pushing for unity and peace among the nations.
"We reviewed the situation in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo and the need for lasting peace in the region," the statement read in part.
Hopeful about his bid for the AUC chairmanship, Odinga further promised to work on stalled projects within the continent, citing the navigation problems experienced in the River Nile derailing trade operations.
"I hope that as chairman of the AUC, I will help the continent embark on long-deferred dreams including making River Nile navigable and connecting the Atlantic Ocean and Lake Victoria – Lake Tanganyika water bodies to facilitate efficient logistics in the interiors," Odinga promised.
As the country pushes forward to campaign for the bid, Odinga has faced several hurdles along the way, including the entry of more candidates into the race, limiting rules set by relevant councils and opposition from other candidates.
The AUC bid has thus far attracted three candidates. Kenya’s Raila Odinga, Somalia’s Fawzia Yusuf Adam, and the latest entrant, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti.
"Both regions can submit male and female candidates. The gender of the elected Chairperson will determine the gender of the Deputy Chairperson to be elected," the Executive Council Ministerial concluded after a meeting on April 2.
