Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga is emerging as the favorite to win the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship next month, though he faces stiff competition.
Analysis indicates Raila has already secured the backing of at least 21 countries, needing support from 12 more to achieve the required two-thirds majority of 33 member states.
With strong support from Kenyan President William Ruto and his vast continental networks, Raila has intensified his campaign, recently visiting southern Africa to secure endorsements.
The election, scheduled for February 25 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, pits Raila against Djibouti’s Mohamoud Youssouf and Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato.
Geopolitical dynamics, historical tensions, and emerging global influences like Russia and China are expected to shape the race.
Raila has vowed to champion fair African representation in the UN Security Council and leverage his experience as AU High Representative for Infrastructure to address the continent’s challenges.
