Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Thursday, February 15, announced his ambition to succeed Moussa Faki as the African Union Commission Chairperson in 2025.
Raila’s bid for the top AU job has received backing from international leaders including former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo. Locally, he has received support from across the board even from the most unlikely quarters such as the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
While regional and continental support will go a long way in helping him achieve his objectives, Raila also must meet certain requirements set by the AU should he formally place his bid.
This includes; a Master's Degree, relevant experience, fluency in at least one AU language, and proof of transformational leadership.
According to AU, the Master’s Degree must be in Law, International Relations, Economics, Diplomacy, Management, Business Administration, Political Science, Social Sciences or a closely related field from a recognised institution.
A PhD in the same field is also considered an added advantage for interested candidates.
According to his biography, the Azimio leader has an MSc (Master of Science) in Mechanical Engineering from Germany.
Raila will also be required by the selection committee to show 20 years of relevant professional and international experience.
“At least ten (10) years served in a progressively senior leadership role(s) preferably in an intergovernmental organisation or national government/public service, international or regional institution,” AU adds.
On languages, Raila will be required to demonstrate that he is proficient in one of the AU working languages while proficiency in another AU working language is highly desirable.
The official languages of AU are Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Swahili and any other African language.
Raila is multilingual and fluent in both Kiswahili and English.
For required skills, Raila will have to demonstrate transformational leadership experience with strategic vision and proven skills in managing complex organisations at the national, regional or international level.
Additionally, he must demonstrate a record of setting clear standards for accountability, probity, value for money, risk management and zero tolerance to fraud and corruption.
