Prime Cabinet Minister Musalia Mudavadi has appealed to African nations to vote for Kenyan candidate Raila Odinga as the next chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) in order to fast-track peace and stability across the continent.
Mudavadi described Raila as a pan-Africanist with extensive knowledge of Africa and its political dynamics, asserting that he would provide the leadership needed at this crucial time.
“There are conflicts in the some parts of Africa, in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Sudan, Sudan, and challenges here and there. What we need is a leader who is ready to confront the issues, Raila stands out and is ready for the task” said Mudavadi, while addressing the media on the sidelines of the AU’s 46th Session of the Executive Council of Foreign Ministers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
He said Africa requires a resolute and strong-willed leader amid ongoing conflicts.
He highlighted Raila’s extensive political experience, stating that he is well-equipped to tackle the continent’s pressing issues and is ready to begin his duties immediately after his election on Saturday.
Mudavadi cautioned against any delay in selecting the AUC chair, arguing that the continent requires immediate action for peace and conflict resolution.
“If we do not get the chairperson of the AUC on Saturday at time when some African countries were in turmoil, we will send a picture of being weak, confused and indecisive at a critical juncture, Africa needs a decisive voice,” Mudavadi stated.
According to the election rules, multiple votes will be held before the AUC chair is elected. If the final candidate fails to secure two-thirds of the votes, the Summit may postpone the election until July this year.
Currently, there are three candidates for the AUC chair: Raila, Djibouti’s Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, and Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar.
Mudavadi noted that Raila is acutely aware of the challenges facing the continent and is ideally positioned to propose sustainable solutions for the benefit of African citizens.
“Under his tenure, Raila’s agenda will be to scale up efforts to, bridge the infrastructural development gap, integration, economic transformation, enhancing intra Africa trade through African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA), Financial independence, agricultural transformation, climate action, peace security, youth empowerment, and gender equity & equality in the continent,” he stated.
Mudavadi expressed confidence that the former Prime Minister would emerge victorious in the Saturday elections, noting that President William Ruto, he himself, and Raila have done everything possible to secure the seat for Kenya.
“In the remaining days, we will continue asking for a vote here and there, we are not taking chances until when the last vote is counted and victory given to us,” said Mudavadi.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary dismissed claims that the government was transporting people to Addis Ababa in anticipation of Raila’s victory, asserting that patriotic Kenyans and Raila supporters were travelling privately to provide moral support to the former Prime Minister.
“We have been informed that tens of people and possibly in their hundreds were scheduled to privately travel to Addis Ababa, including those who will be using buses. It reflects patriotism. This will not be a Raila victory but that of Kenya as a whole,” said the Prime Cabinet Secretary.
He added that there are a few Kenyans with negative sentiments who are hoping for the Kenyan candidate’s failure, noting that they would ultimately be disappointed.
By Eric Biegon
