Kenya’s candidate for the African Union Commission Chairperson Raila Odinga, held discussions with Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, in Rabat on Monday, as part of his ongoing diplomatic tour to garner support for his candidacy.

During a joint press briefing, Minister Bourita thanked Mr. Odinga for his visit and recognised him as a long-time friend of Morocco. 

The two leaders discussed ways to improve peace, stability, and development across Africa.

Minister Bourita emphasised the importance of the meeting, emphasising Morocco's desire to understand Mr. Odinga's vision for the African Union. 

He emphasised that the candidature provided an opportunity for the African Union to increase its global presence and influence, particularly in areas of peace and development.

Odinga's visit is part of his ongoing tour of the North African region to rally support for his candidature to lead the African Union Commission. 

His campaign has gained traction as he seeks to form strategic alliances with key African nations in order to propel the continent's agenda forward on a global scale.

Odinga, who officially launched his AUC campaigns and manifesto last month in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, is running for the AUC seat to replace outgoing Moussa Faki Mahamat.

He is scheduled to appear in the upcoming Mjadala Afrika Leadership televised debate on December 13, 2024, at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, against two other candidates: Mahmoud Ali Youssouf (Djibouti) and Madagascar's Richard Randriamandrato.

The debate is expected to set the pace for the election that will take place in February 2025.