NAIROBI, Kenya – The Pan African Youth Convention has thrown its weight behind former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson seat, calling him the ideal candidate to steer the continent towards the ambitious goals of the Africa Union Agenda 2063.
Representing a coalition of young leaders from 13 African countries, the youth lobby declared that Odinga’s Pan-Africanist credentials and extensive political experience make him uniquely qualified to lead the continent in this transformative era.
According to the group, Raila embodies the kind of leadership Africa needs to achieve its vision of a peaceful, prosperous, and integrated continent.
“As a staunch Pan-Africanist and a firm believer in the African renaissance, Odinga has the unparalleled ability to reflect on the actions of our forebearers and connect the past to the present and our aspirations for the future of all people of African descent within and beyond our motherland, Africa,” the convention stated.
The Pan African Youth Convention comprises a diverse and influential group of youth leaders, including policymakers, academics, government officials, entrepreneurs, and activists from across the continent and the African diaspora.
Members hail from countries such as Sierra Leone, Uganda, Ghana, Zambia, Tanzania, Nigeria, and Mozambique, among others.
In endorsing Odinga, the group emphasized his distinguished career in public service, which spans decades and includes roles as Kenya’s Prime Minister, Minister, and Leader of the Opposition, as well as his recent tenure as the African Union’s High Representative for Infrastructure Development.
“Raila Odinga has consistently demonstrated diligence, integrity, and a deep understanding of democratic ideals. His grasp of continental infrastructure and its importance in uniting African markets and enabling free movement across borders is unparalleled,” the group noted.
The youth leaders further praised Odinga for his unwavering commitment to progressive change, describing him as a leader who is “unafraid to confront Africa’s challenges head-on” and who brings “an authentic vision for the African renaissance.”
They cited his optimism, clear focus, and ability to inspire confidence as critical qualities needed to propel Africa forward.
“He refuses to shy away from the very real challenges of Africa; he is optimistic, solid, and fervent with a fire burning in his belly to cause progressive change across the continent,” the statement added.
The group concluded by urging African nations to rally behind Odinga’s candidacy, saying that his leadership would be instrumental in achieving the goals of Agenda 2063, which envisions a united, self-reliant, and thriving Africa by 2063.
Representing a coalition of young leaders from 13 African countries, the youth lobby declared that Odinga’s Pan-Africanist credentials and extensive political experience make him uniquely qualified to lead the continent in this transformative era.
According to the group, Raila embodies the kind of leadership Africa needs to achieve its vision of a peaceful, prosperous, and integrated continent.
“As a staunch Pan-Africanist and a firm believer in the African renaissance, Odinga has the unparalleled ability to reflect on the actions of our forebearers and connect the past to the present and our aspirations for the future of all people of African descent within and beyond our motherland, Africa,” the convention stated.
The Pan African Youth Convention comprises a diverse and influential group of youth leaders, including policymakers, academics, government officials, entrepreneurs, and activists from across the continent and the African diaspora.
Members hail from countries such as Sierra Leone, Uganda, Ghana, Zambia, Tanzania, Nigeria, and Mozambique, among others.
In endorsing Odinga, the group emphasized his distinguished career in public service, which spans decades and includes roles as Kenya’s Prime Minister, Minister, and Leader of the Opposition, as well as his recent tenure as the African Union’s High Representative for Infrastructure Development.
“Raila Odinga has consistently demonstrated diligence, integrity, and a deep understanding of democratic ideals. His grasp of continental infrastructure and its importance in uniting African markets and enabling free movement across borders is unparalleled,” the group noted.
The youth leaders further praised Odinga for his unwavering commitment to progressive change, describing him as a leader who is “unafraid to confront Africa’s challenges head-on” and who brings “an authentic vision for the African renaissance.”
They cited his optimism, clear focus, and ability to inspire confidence as critical qualities needed to propel Africa forward.
“He refuses to shy away from the very real challenges of Africa; he is optimistic, solid, and fervent with a fire burning in his belly to cause progressive change across the continent,” the statement added.
The group concluded by urging African nations to rally behind Odinga’s candidacy, saying that his leadership would be instrumental in achieving the goals of Agenda 2063, which envisions a united, self-reliant, and thriving Africa by 2063.
