Azimio leader Raila Odinga has welcomed the push to make him the chairperson of the African Union (AU).
Raila is aiming to take over from Moussa Faki, whose term is coming to an end in 2024.
“I have been consulting widely. I think I am ready to serve the continent of Africa. Africa deserves better,” said Raila during a press briefing at his Karen home in Nairobi on February 15, 2024.
At the same time, Raila promised to enhance social economic change in the region if elected as AU chairperson.
“If we marshal our resources as a continent, pull in one direction, then we can be able to make Africa greater,” Raila stated.
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His sentiments were echoed by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo who was present during Raila’s press briefing in Nairobi.
“I have no doubt that my friend who is standing next to me (Hon. Odinga) is the right person to take over the mantle. If the EAC region backs him, I believe the rest of the continent will support him,” said Obasanjo.
“People who have held position of head of government either as President or PM are most suitable for this job. Looking at it critically, it is the turn of East Africa,” he added.
This comes at a time when former Prime Minister of Chad Moussa Faki, is finalizing his second term as AU chairperson.
Faki ran unopposed for the AU position in February 2021 with a support of 51 out of 55 member states in a secret ballot.
