In the race for the African Union Commission Chairperson position, Kenya continues to gain momentum with another backing, this time from Zimbabwe.
President William Ruto announced the endorsement on Saturday, April 27, after bilateral talks between Kenya and Zimbabwe.
"I am assured that Kenya and Zimbabwe will persist in conferring and backing each other on a multitude of issues of bilateral, regional, and continental significance alongside the African Union Agenda 2063," President Ruto states.
Kenya is seeking to take charge of the continent through the African Union chairperson role for 2025 – 2028. Kenya received support following the African Union Executive Council's decision in March to support candidates from the Eastern Africa region to step forward.
President Ruto underlines Kenya's commitment to furthering the Pan-African Agenda, citing the nation's pivotal role.
Speaking at the Bulawayo State House in Zimbabwe, President Ruto emphasizes Kenya's aspirations. The occasion marks bilateral discussions between him and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
During the talks, both nations solidified their partnership by signing nine Memorandums of Understanding. These agreements span various sectors including transport, infrastructure, health, education, defence, trade, and investments.
Raila is facing a challenge from Somalia and Djibouti for the post.
Somalia proposed its former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister, Fawzia Adam, a prominent Somali politician, while Djibouti joined the race last month, proposing their Foreign Affairs Minister, Mahamoud Youssouf, for the post.
With the term of the incumbent AU Commission Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, concluding in early 2025 after serving a maximum of two four-year terms, the stage is set for a new leader to emerge.
The electoral process requires candidates to secure at least two-thirds of the votes from member states during the general assembly elections, highlighting the significance of garnering broad support across the continent.
While the race to replace Faki continues to heat up, Kenya's influence on the continent is coming in handy for Raila. In April, President Ruto launched a shadow diplomacy campaign in West Africa to drum up support for Odinga.
Raila has received endorsement from at least countries including; Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan, the DRC, South Africa, Ghana, Angola, and Guinea Bissau.
