ACCRA, Ghana – President William Ruto, currently in Ghana for the inauguration of President John Mahama, has leveraged the occasion to garner support for Kenya’s candidate, Raila Odinga, in the upcoming African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson elections.
During his visit, Ruto secured endorsements from Togo and Equatorial Guinea following discussions with their respective leaders.
“In Accra, Ghana, met the Equatorial Guinea Vice-President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue who pledged his country’s support for Raila Odinga’s AUC chairperson bid,” Ruto stated.
Ruto’s diplomatic engagements included separate talks with President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo and Vice President Teodoro Nguema of Equatorial Guinea.
These meetings not only focused on backing Odinga’s bid but also touched on broader African Union reforms.
“Africa’s future will be shaped by inclusive dialogue among all stakeholders on the continent’s transformation agenda,” Ruto emphasized, highlighting the importance of reforms within the African Union, peace and security, and enhancing the private sector’s role in development under the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement.
President Ruto also stressed the significance of investment in tourism, trade, and agriculture, pointing out that increased investment in agriculture is vital for achieving food security in line with the continent’s Malabo Declaration.
Meanwhile, Raila Odinga, currently in Mauritius, has gained support from the country after Anil Kumarsingh Gayan withdrew from the race.
Odinga’s competitors include Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahamoud Ali Youssouf and Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato.
The elections, set for next month, will determine the successor of the current chairperson, Moussa Faki of Chad, whose second term concludes in February 2025.
Odinga is intensifying his campaign efforts with back-to-back engagements planned throughout January.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has also announced his participation in the campaign, aiming to bolster support for Odinga across the continent.
During his visit, Ruto secured endorsements from Togo and Equatorial Guinea following discussions with their respective leaders.
“In Accra, Ghana, met the Equatorial Guinea Vice-President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue who pledged his country’s support for Raila Odinga’s AUC chairperson bid,” Ruto stated.
Ruto’s diplomatic engagements included separate talks with President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo and Vice President Teodoro Nguema of Equatorial Guinea.
These meetings not only focused on backing Odinga’s bid but also touched on broader African Union reforms.
“Africa’s future will be shaped by inclusive dialogue among all stakeholders on the continent’s transformation agenda,” Ruto emphasized, highlighting the importance of reforms within the African Union, peace and security, and enhancing the private sector’s role in development under the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement.
President Ruto also stressed the significance of investment in tourism, trade, and agriculture, pointing out that increased investment in agriculture is vital for achieving food security in line with the continent’s Malabo Declaration.
Meanwhile, Raila Odinga, currently in Mauritius, has gained support from the country after Anil Kumarsingh Gayan withdrew from the race.
Odinga’s competitors include Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahamoud Ali Youssouf and Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato.
The elections, set for next month, will determine the successor of the current chairperson, Moussa Faki of Chad, whose second term concludes in February 2025.
Odinga is intensifying his campaign efforts with back-to-back engagements planned throughout January.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has also announced his participation in the campaign, aiming to bolster support for Odinga across the continent.
