Kenya faces a potential exit from the African Union following Raila Odinga’s loss in the commission chair race. Djibouti’s Mahmoud Youssouf won after multiple voting rounds. Odinga’s allies express dissatisfaction with the AU’s structure, prompting calls for reevaluating Kenya’s financial commitments and participation in both the AU and EAC.
Following the defeat of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in the race for the chairperson position of the African Union Commission (AUC), his allies are contemplating Kenya’s withdrawal from the AU. The election took place during the 38th Ordinary Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Mahmoud Youssouf, emerged victorious after a protracted voting process that concluded with 33 votes in his favor, fulfilling the required two-thirds majority among 49 member states.
Odinga faced significant opposition not only from Youssouf but also from Richard Randriamandrato, the former Foreign Affairs Minister of Madagascar. The outcome has incited strong reactions among Odinga’s supporters, including calls for reevaluating Kenya’s participation in the AU. Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has been notably vocal, advocating for Kenya’s exit from the AU and potentially withdrawing from the East African Community (EAC).
The EAC comprises eight member states: Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda, and Tanzania. Along similar lines, Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi has proposed that Kenya reassess its financial contributions to the AU. He argues for a reduction in financial commitments or even a complete withdrawal, highlighting a burgeoning sense of dissatisfaction with the AU’s operational structure and its attentiveness to member states’ interests.
Senator Ledama Olekina of Narok has also contributed to this discourse, acknowledging President William Ruto’s support for Odinga’s candidacy, while simultaneously suggesting a reassessment of the AU’s structural effectiveness. He provocatively posed the question, “Why not divide the African Union into two?” This sentiment underscores a broader debate on the AU’s functionality and its alignment with the continent’s diverse needs.
It is important to recognize that the AUC chairperson election is a member state prerogative and is exempt from military governance influences. The position rotates among the five AU regions, with the Eastern region providing the Chair and the Northern region the Deputy. This electoral process has brought to light significant concerns among some Kenyan politicians regarding Kenya’s ongoing association with the AU.
In summary, the electoral defeat of Raila Odinga for the AUC chair has sparked significant debate regarding Kenya’s allegiance to the African Union. Prominent politicians are calling for a reassessment of Kenya’s financial contributions and a potential withdrawal from the AU and EAC. This situation reflects deeper issues within the AU’s structure and its ability to cater to the interests of its member states.
Original Source: mwakilishi.com
