Kiir joins fellow leaders in Addis, as country backs Kenya’s candidate
Meanwhile, Ambassador Albino Aboug, a Member of Parliament from South Sudan who is also a Pan-African Parliament member, drummed up support for Odinga’s bid.
By Aguok Chok
President Salva Kiir, on Friday traveled to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to participate in the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly from February 14-16, 2025. The summit, which carries the theme “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,” is expected to address pressing issues facing the continent and set the AU’s policy direction for the coming year.
At the heart of the summit lies the election for the next African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson, a position that holds significant influence over the AU’s activities. The vote, scheduled for today, February 15, will determine the successor of Moussa Faki of Chad, who has completed his term. The new chairperson will serve a four-year term, which is renewable once.
Raila Odinga, Kenya’s Former Prime Minister, is one of the top contenders, with strong backing from the East African Community (EAC), including South Sudan. The EAC endorsed Odinga’s candidacy in March 2024, citing his extensive political experience and leadership qualities. “We believe Raila’s leadership will steer the AU towards greater unity and effectiveness,” said an EAC representative.
However, Odinga faces stiff competition from Mahamoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti and Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar. Youssouf, who emphasizes the need for African representation on the global stage, particularly within the United Nations Security Council, has garnered the support of many West African nations. “Africa must have a voice in the world that reflects its true importance,” Youssouf said.
The Djiobouti candidate visited South Sudan last year to woe the country to back his candidature.
On the other hand, Randriamandrato, supported by Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, also advocates for increased African representation in international institutions. “Africa must take its rightful place in global decision-making,” Randriamandrato noted.
Yesterday, Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei downplayed a letter drafted by the Southern African Development Community (SADC), urging its 16 member states to back Madagascar’s candidate Richard Randriamandrato.
Korir intimated that Raila’s campaign team, including President William Ruto, has been wooing other African leaders in the SADC region to secure votes.
South Sudan backing Odinga’s candidature
Meanwhile, Ambassador Albino Aboug, a Member of Parliament from South Sudan who is also a Pan-African Parliament member, drummed up support for Odinga’s bid.
“Raila has a very good chance of becoming the next chair, looking into his background as a Pan-Africanist. The kind of freedom you’re enjoying today, somebody, somewhere, somehow has fought for it, and it wasn’t easy to have such freedom if nobody would have fought for it,” Aboug told Citizen TV in an interview.
“(As) South Sudan, we have declared we will support Raila. Culturally, Kenya and South Sudan are brothers, and you don’t choose your neighbours. Today is an opportunity for Kenya; tomorrow, who knows, it could be an opportunity for South Sudan,” he added.
However, in addition to the election, President Kiir is expected to hold sideline meetings with other leaders, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres. According to Kiir’s press secretary, Lily Adhieu Martin Manyiel, these discussions will center around crucial topics such as ongoing peace process in the country, Sudanese refugees, and the growing threat of climate change. “South Sudan remains committed to peace and regional cooperation,” Adhieu said.
The election for the AUC chairperson will not only shape the future of the African Union but also determine which region gains greater influence in AU affairs. The backing of regional blocs such as the EAC, ECOWAS, and SADC will play a key role in the election outcome.
Expectations are high that the election will be shaped by a blend of regional interests and diplomatic strategies. The EAC’s backing of Odinga reflects a desire to enhance East Africa’s influence in AU matters, while other blocs are rallying around their own preferred candidates. Ultimately, the outcome will depend on the ability of each candidate to build broad, cross-regional support.
With just hours left before the vote, diplomatic efforts are intensifying as candidates lobby for support. The AU Assembly’s outcome will reflect the dynamic interplay of regional interests and Africa’s collective goals for the future. The result of this election will be a defining moment for the continent’s leadership and its place in the global arena.
