President William Ruto has officially launched Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition leader Raila Odinga’s bid for African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship bid.
The event that was held at State House, Nairobi, on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, was attended by East African Heads of States, who included Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni, Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan, South Sudan’s Salva Kiir and representatives from Rwanda and Burundi.
Raila has promised to tackle several issues in Africa, should he manage to clinch the role of AUC Chairmanship.
Here are some of the issues Raila has promised to tackle.
Agricultural Transformation
Raila has pledged to promote market access within the continent and value addition in Africa’s agricultural and aquaculture sectors.
He has also promised to promote sustainable food production, agribusiness and the modernisation of agriculture to reinforce food security, to foster job creation and enhance rural livelihoods.
Gender Equality And Equality
Raila says throughout his life, he has been an indefatigable champion of the rights of women and girls. As Chairperson of AUC, he says he will prioritise opportunity, dignity, and security for women and girls across the continent.
Make Africa people-centred
During the official launch of his AUC bid, Raila said he plans to work with African Heads of States and make the African Union (AU) more people-centered and serve the interests of the voiceless majority of Africans.
Raila promises a united Africa characterised by peace, prosperity and sustainable progress.
Enhancing Intra- African Trade
Raila has pledged to advocate for open skies, visa policy harmonization, and infrastructure development to facilitate seamless connectivity and movement of goods and peoples across Africa.
According to Raila, overcoming these barriers will spur economic growth and position Africa as a global economic player and leader.
Continental Integration
Raila says he will support Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and drive implementation of initiatives to enhance continental unity and prosperity.
Financial Independence
Raila has pledged to advocate for the reform of the global financial architecture to ensure Africa’s equitable participation in global economic decisions.
He has also pledged to rally AU Member States and engage the private sector to finance AU priorities, ensuring sustainable development and delivery on continental goals.
Peace And Security
Raila has pledged to prioritize conflict prevention and resolution and work with African leaders across the continent to address the root causes of instability, and promote functional institutions to create a conducive environment for Africa’s development and prosperity.