Samia Backs Raila for African Union Commission Chairmanship

Samia backs Raila for African Union Commission chairmanship

During a visit to the Kenyan State House in Nairobi, President Hassan praised Odinga as a dedicated Pan-Africanist and endorsed his bid to lead the AUC.
Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania on Tuesday voiced strong support for Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship.

During a visit to the Kenyan State House in Nairobi, President Hassan praised Odinga as a dedicated Pan-Africanist and endorsed his bid to lead the AUC.

In her remarks during the event, President Hassan highlighted Odinga’s deep understanding of Africa’s development issues and his longstanding relationships with various African leaders.

She emphasized that Odinga’s commitment to African integration and his wisdom make him a suitable candidate for the AUC position.

“The government of Tanzania fully endorses Raila Amollo Odinga’s candidacy for Chairperson of the African Union Commission.

He is a Pan-Africanist leader who has maintained strong connections with Tanzanian leaders and other African partners,” President Hassan stated.

“He is well-acquainted with the development concerns of our continent.”

In a warm moment with regional leaders, including representatives from South Sudan and Uganda, President Hassan affectionately referred to Odinga as “Baba,” while sharing that she is called “Mama” in Tanzania.

She expressed her belief in Odinga’s ability to advocate effectively for Africa’s development priorities, adding, “Tanzania assures Kenya of its full support for Raila Odinga’s candidacy, and Tanzania says ‘Baba anatosha, achaguliwe’ (Baba is sufficient, let him be elected).”

In his remarks, Raila Odinga expressed readiness to serve Africa and requested the support of African Heads of State. “Your excellences, I am prepared to serve.

My heart and hands are steady, and with your support, I will be honored to serve Africa,” Odinga affirmed.

He emphasized his commitment to making the AUC more people-centered and advancing the continent’s development priorities.

Odinga outlined several priorities for his potential tenure, including economic transformation, boosting intra-African trade, financial independence, gender equality, agricultural transformation, climate action, continental integration, and enhancing peace and security.

President William Ruto of Kenya revealed that Odinga’s bid has garnered endorsements from at least seven African presidents, including Samia Suluhu Hassan (Tanzania), Paul Kagame (Rwanda), Yoweri Museveni (Uganda), Salva Kiir (South Sudan), Evariste Ndayishimiye (Burundi), Cyril Ramaphosa (South Africa), and Felix Tshisekedi (DR Congo).

Odinga’s candidacy is set to replace the outgoing AUC Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, Burundi Prime Minister Gervais Ndirakobuca, Rwandan Foreign Minister James Kabarebe, and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo.

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