We have to awaken the dormant strength of the African continent, it's time for us to reignite our power and reclaim our rightful place in the world.
- Raila Odinga..
We have to awaken the dormant strength of the African continent, it's time for us to reignite our power and reclaim our rightful place in the world.
- Raila Odinga (EGH)
CHAIRPERSON OF THE AFRICAN UNION COMMISSION:
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission is the Chief Executive Officer, legal representative of the AU and the Commission's Chief Accounting Officer. He or she is directly responsible to the Executive Council for the discharge of his or her duties.
The Chairperson of the Commission is elected by the Assembly for a four-year term, renewable once.
RAILA IS THE REAL DEAL FOR AFRICA:
The declaration by former prime minister of the Republic of Kenya Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga that he would be vying for AU Commission Chairmanship presents a golden opportunity for Africa to retrace her path and turn the Pan-African dream into a reality.
Canonised as Africa's Nelson Mandela of today, Raila has stood distinctly tall among his peers in Kenya and beyond as the father of democracy, a champion of good governance, and the embodiment of continental statesmanship.
AFRICA’S RENOWNED REFORMIST:
It was his unwavering commitment to constitutional reforms in Kenya that resulted in the adoption and promulgation of the 2010 constitution, which is hailed globally as one of the most transformative constitutions.
Over decades of serving as a political leader in Kenya, Raila has proved to be a selfless leader who has, on several occasions, sacrificed his personal interests for the common good of the people. Even in the most difficult of circumstances, he has always remained compassionate at heart and strong in spirit and will.
There has never been a better time for the African Union to get a forward-looking leader who carries with him the true spirit and aspirations of Pan-Africanism than now.
TRUE PAN-AFRICANIST:
Africa's growing democracy needs a dynamic, resilient, and widely experienced leader at its helm to build consensus and foster collegiality in state and regional leadership. Raila is one such leader.
The former premier is not new to the roles before him. He understands Africa’s vision, capacity, and all the ills that have been holding her back. He has articulated these issues several times locally and internationally in a bid to lobby for support to make Africa great.
It was not by mistake or chance that he was appointed AU envoy for infrastructure development. It was based on merit. His understanding of the continent's political and socio-economic needs and challenges is unmatched.
When he was appointed Africa's envoy for infrastructure development in 2018, AU, in a statement, said, "Raila brings with him a rich political experience and a strong commitment to the ideals of Pan-Africanism and African integration, as well as a deep knowledge of infrastructure development."
WHAT IS THE AFRICAN UNION?
The African Union (AU) is a political and administrative organization, founded in 2002. It consists of 54 countries in Africa with its principal administrative capital located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The headquarters are housed in the AU Conference Center and Office Complex. This building has 20 floors and a 2,500-seat plenary hall.
The AU has several objectives, the primary of these is to promote and encourage unity among African countries and citizens. In addition, this organization works to retain the independence of its members, to promote peace and security, to protect human rights, and to advance sustainable development economically and socially.