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Raila Odinga has taken his campaign for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson position to Zimbabwe.
On Monday, the former Prime Minister arrived in Zimbabwe, where he was warmly welcomed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
“We landed in Harare today and received a warm welcome from President Mnangagwa,” Raila shared on X. “It’s been a pleasure discussing my vision for Africa and my candidacy for the AUC Chairmanship with the president.”
Raila is competing against Mahmoud Ali Youssouf from Djibouti and Richard Randriamandrato from Madagascar in the upcoming election. The African Union, which comprises 55 member states, will hold elections during its summit in February 2025 to select a new chairperson, following the tenure of Moussa Faki Mahamat.
The election will be conducted by secret ballot, requiring the winner to secure a two-thirds majority from eligible member states. The AUC chairperson plays a crucial role as the head of the African Union, a position that rotates between regions every four years, with the possibility of re-election for two terms.
Candidates must have strong educational qualifications and substantial experience to effectively handle the duties of the AUC chairperson. Raila has launched an extensive campaign, aiming to gain support from southern Africa. He plans to visit at least 10 countries in the region this month as part of his effort to garner backing for his bid.
