Raila makes final campaign stop in Burundi ahead of AUC chairperson vote
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has wrapped up his African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson campaign trail with a diplomatic visit to Burundi before heading to Ethiopia for the final vote.
In a statement posted on his Facebook account on February 12, 2025, Raila announced that he met with Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye during his visit to Bujumbura.
“I concluded my campaign visits today in Bujumbura, Burundi. I thank H.E President Evariste Ndayishimiye, for honouring me with a warm reception,” Odinga said in a statement.
The former Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to his supporters as he prepared to travel to Addis Ababa for the final leg of his campaign.
“I will be heading to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for the final stretch, and I thank you all for your unwavering support and prayers throughout the journey of my candidacy for the African Union Commission Chairmanship,” he added.
AUC elections
The African Union Commission elections will be conducted in two phases.
The first phase, scheduled for February 12-13, 2025, will see the AU Executive Council—comprising foreign ministers from member states—elect and appoint commissioners overseeing various portfolios within the AU Commission.
The second phase, set for February 15-16, 2025, will determine the top leadership positions, including the AUC chairperson and deputy chairpersons.
Raila Odinga is vying to succeed the current AUC Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat.
Last minute campaigns
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi is leading Kenya’s final diplomatic efforts to secure support for Raila’s bid.
On February 11, 2025, Mudavadi departed for Addis Ababa to engage in last-minute campaigns, rallying African heads of state to support Raila.
“As we approach the final stretch, I will engage in the last-mile campaign for Raila Odinga, rallying support from African Heads of State ahead of the crucial vote. His leadership at the AUC would elevate Kenya’s influence and strengthen Africa’s collective voice on the global stage,” Mudavadi stated via his X account.
Diplomatic support
An analysis of Raila’s extensive diplomatic engagements reveals that more than 28 African heads of state have pledged their support for his candidacy.
These include leaders from Kenya, South Africa, Namibia, Ghana, Togo, Gambia, Senegal, Guinea Bissau, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Equatorial Guinea, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Malawi.
Additionally, leaders from Comoros, Tanzania, Uganda, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Seychelles, Mauritius, Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, South Sudan, and Eritrea have also expressed their backing.
