President Ruto Visits Ethiopia, Rallies Support for Raila's AU Commission Bid

On Wednesday, Kenyan President William Ruto arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, following a one-day official visit to Juba, South Sudan.

Upon his arrival at Bole International Airport, he was received by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The visit to Addis Ababa is part of President Ruto's efforts to rally support for Raila Odinga's candidacy for the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC). On Thursday, President Ruto held a meeting with diplomats from across the African continent based in Ethiopia. As the Champion of the African Union Institutional Reforms, he addressed the Permanent Representatives Committee comprising African ambassadors to the AU.

Ruto emphasizes the importance of Africa becoming organized and building the necessary synergy to tackle the continent's challenges. He highlights the need for thorough and consultative reforms to make the institutions of the African Union more accountable, efficient, and effective in serving member states and the people of the continent. Although President Ruto did not explicitly mention his agenda for Raila Odinga in his social media posts, it is understood that he uses the opportunity to lobby for Raila's candidacy.

Raila, who also attended the session on Thursday morning, is in Addis Ababa for a series of engagements, including unveiling his AUC continental campaigns on Friday. In a press release on Wednesday, Raila's secretariat stated that the event is meant to provide a platform for Raila to engage with core players and partners of the AU. The Addis event follows the official reception of Raila's candidature in Nairobi on August 27, 2024. The event aims to outline Raila's pan-African vision and priorities in line with AU Agenda 2063.

Raila's campaign for the AUC Chairperson position is set to intensify with a series of events in Addis Ababa. His campaign secretariat has organized a comprehensive strategy to engage with key players, formations, and partners of the AU. Raila's vision aligns with the AU's Agenda 2063, which aims for inclusive economic growth and development across the continent. As the AUC election approaches in February 2025, Raila will compete against other candidates, including Mahmoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti, Anil Kumarsingh Gayan of Mauritius, and Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar.