NAIROBI, Kenya- It’s crunch time for Kenya’s Raila Odinga as he steps into the spotlight for the highly anticipated Mjadala Afrika debate, a key event in the race for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson.
Taking place on Friday, December 13, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the debate will pit Odinga against Mahmoud Ali Youssouf from Djibouti and Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar.
The live broadcast will air across Africa from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. East Africa Time. This debate promises a rare glimpse into the visions and strategies of the top contenders vying to lead the AU into a new era.
Odinga, a former Kenyan Prime Minister, exuded confidence during rehearsals at the African Union Headquarters. Speaking ahead of the debate, he outlined his commitment to advancing Agenda 2063, the AU’s blueprint for a connected, peaceful, and prosperous continent.
“I’m excited to present my 10-point plan, which prioritizes areas critical for Africa’s progress toward prosperity,” Odinga said. His agenda spans transformative themes, including economic growth, intra-African trade, digital innovation, and peace and security.
With a focus on practical solutions, Odinga also highlighted gender equity, climate action, and harnessing the potential of Africa’s youth as integral components of his platform.
His holistic approach aims to address systemic challenges while fostering continental integration and financial independence for the African Union.
The debate, moderated in both English and French, aims to spark meaningful dialogue on Africa’s most pressing issues. The African Union describes Mjadala Afrika as a platform to engage candidates on their policies and ideas for achieving Agenda 2063’s ambitious goals.
For Odinga, it’s an opportunity to showcase not just his policy expertise but also his ability to collaborate with his rivals. “I’m eager to engage with my fellow contestants and discuss strategies for driving Africa forward,” he remarked.
The two-hour debate promises a mix of policy proposals, sharp rebuttals, and insightful exchanges, giving Africans across the continent a chance to evaluate the candidates’ priorities and leadership styles.
The AUC Chairperson role comes at a pivotal time, as Africa navigates challenges from climate change to digital transformation. With elections set for February 2025, this debate is an early test of the candidates’ ability to articulate actionable strategies.
For Odinga, this moment is more than just a campaign milestone—it’s a platform to rally support for his vision of a united and prosperous Africa.
As Raila Odinga takes the debate stage, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With a bold 10-point agenda and a clear commitment to Agenda 2063, he’s positioning himself as a transformative leader for the continent.
Whether his message resonates will depend on how well he connects with viewers and articulates his vision during this critical live event.
