President William Ruto has secured endorsements from Equatorial Guinea and Togo for Raila Odinga’s African Union Commission chairmanship bid ahead of the February elections. Announced at John Mahama’s inauguration in Ghana, Ruto’s efforts are geared towards leveraging support among African leaders. Meanwhile, Odinga welcomed backing from Mauritius after their previous bid for the AUC chairmanship was rescinded in his favor, as he competes against two other candidates for the position.
President William Ruto announced that both Equatorial Guinea and Togo have officially endorsed Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship, in advance of the upcoming elections scheduled for February. This statement was made during Ruto’s attendance at the inauguration of President John Mahama in Accra, Ghana, where he met with key leaders from various African nations.
During his time in Ghana, President Ruto engaged with Equatorial Guinea’s Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, a prominent ally, who assured Ruto of his country’s support for Odinga. Ruto also spoke with Togolese President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, who had previously met with Odinga during Odinga’s West African tour late last year. “President Gnassingbé pledged his support for Raila Odinga’s candidature for the African Union Commission chairperson,” Ruto stated on his social media account, highlighting the backing from both nations.
This event is significant as it brings together over ten African leaders attending Mahama’s inauguration, creating a strategic opportunity for Ruto to gather further endorsements for Odinga’s continental aspirations. The political context is underscored by Mahama’s recent electoral victory, where he won the presidency with 56% of the votes against his opponent, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia. Mahama’s return, having previously served as President from 2012 to 2017, is marked by challenges faced during his predecessor’s tenure, including severe economic issues.
Concurrently, Raila Odinga arrived in Mauritius, greeted warmly by Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, who proclaimed support for Odinga after Mauritius withdrew its bid for the AUC chairmanship in favor of his campaign. As Odinga, who recently celebrated his 80th birthday, prepares for the February elections, he faces competition from Djibouti’s foreign minister and Madagascar’s former foreign minister, making this bid for the AUC chairmanship even more critical.
The article discusses the political maneuvers surrounding Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission. As the elections approach in February, the endorsements from Equatorial Guinea and Togo signify a growing international support base for Odinga’s bid. The backdrop of this political activity includes the recent inauguration of Ghana’s President John Mahama, a notable event that gathered numerous African leaders, providing a platform for rallying support for continental issues and leadership roles within the African Union.
In conclusion, President William Ruto’s announcement of support for Raila Odinga from Equatorial Guinea and Togo marks a significant milestone in Odinga’s pursuit of the AUC chairmanship. With Mahama’s inauguration serving as a pivotal backdrop, Odinga’s candidacy is gaining traction, demonstrated by strategic endorsements and international cooperation. As the February elections approach, the political dynamics within Africa continue to evolve, underscoring the importance of inclusive leadership and collaboration on the continent.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
