Raila Odinga announces his readiness to vie for the African Union Commission chairperson seat
- Published By Jedida Barasa For The Statesman Digital
- 8 months ago
Opposition leader Raila Odinga has officially announced that he is ready to contest for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson job.
Addressing the media on Thursday, Mr. Odinga stated that he had a myriad of consultations with his friends prior to the decision.
"Should the leadership of Africa want my services I am ready and offer myself to be of service to this continent. I'm ready yes to go for the chairmanship of the African Union," said Odinga.
Odinga shared his discontentment over the appalling state of affairs in African countries which ironically are rich in resources.
While terming it a "brain drain", Odinga said that he is displeased with how African youth are forced to cross borders to other continents under arduous conditions just to eke out a living.
The firebrand political leader therefore said if he clinches the seat, he will be determined to transform the face of Africa and realign it to become an economic superpower.
"As a Pan-Afrcaninst I believe strongly that Africa is playing in the league that it should not play. That Africa deserves better," he noted.
"This is something we need to reverse and it can only be reversed if we as a continent marshal all our resources for the faster socio-economic growth of our continent."
He said that owing to his tenure as the African Union (AU) special envoy for infrastructure development in Africa from 2018 to 2023, he is a fit candidate to scoop the position since he best understands the socio-economic conditions across the continent.
"That position gave me a good advantage to be able to learn about each and every African country and I believe that working with all these countries we can be able to emancipate Africa," he said.
Odinga stated that he has spoken to former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo, who was present in the address, to mobilize leaders across the continent "and talk to other people elsewhere".
Obasanjo said that it is finally time for the AUC chairperson mantle to rest in East Africa.
The AUC chairperson seat will fall vacant next year as its current occupant, Chad's Moussa Faki, is set to finish his two-term at the position.
Faki was first appointed in 2017 and won a second term in 2021.
Share on
SHARE YOUR COMMENT
MORE STORIES FOR YOU
Trending Stories
DJ Mo’s former illicit lo...
- Published By Jane
- January 15, 2024
Mapenzi! Zari and Tanasha...
- Published By Jane
- October 24, 2023
Zuchu Speaks on Diamond P...
- Published By Jane
- October 12, 2023
Hio Ni Upumbavu Wasituche...
- Published By Jane
- November 8, 2023
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
How to deal with a silent...
- Published By Jedida
- October 16, 2024
How to set yourself up fo...
- Published By Jedida
- October 16, 2024
Postpartum Hemorrhage: Si...
- Published By Jedida
- October 16, 2024
Study reveals long term e...
- Published By Jedida
- October 16, 2024
Latest Stories
7 signs that show you are...
- Published By Jedida
- November 5, 2024
8 habits that can help yo...
- Published By Jedida
- November 5, 2024
Willy Paul terms infideli...
- Published By Jedida
- November 5, 2024
Mammito announces upcomin...
- Published By Jedida
- November 5, 2024