- Raila Odinga's decision to contest for the Chairman of the African Union (AUC) has faced challenges following the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to approve his opponent
- SADC's move follows the withdrawal of Mauritius, leaving Madagascar as the only competitor from the region
- With 16 member states supporting RandriaMandrato, the possibility of Odinga getting the most votes may be at risk
Azma of Raila Odinga Being the incoming chairman of the African Union Commission (AUC) has faced a major threshold.
Source: UGC
This is after the Southern African Development Community (SADC) officially approved Richard J. Randriamandrato of Madagascar for the position.
Who is the SADC candidate in the AUC chairperson?
The decision, confirmed in a letter from SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi to Zimbabwe's Foreign Minister, shows that the regional camp has joined in support of Madagascar's candidate.
“I am writing you to inform you, Mr. Minister, that Mr. Richard J. Randriamandrato, former Foreign Minister of the Republic of Madagascar, is listed as the only candidate from the SADC region for the position of Chairman of the African Union Commission,” It read part of the letter.
The approval came after Mauritius withdrew from the race, making RandriaMandrato the only candidate from the SADC.
During the SADC Council meeting of August 2024 in Harare, Zimbabwe, the camp agreed to support one nominee to strengthen regional representation in the AUC elections.
What SADC member states are you member?
The letter also encouraged all SADC nations, including South Africa, Angola, Namibia, Botswana, and Zambia, to support Randriamandrato.
SADC includes Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, TanzaniaZambia, and Zimbabwe.
Will SADC's position affect Odinga's chance to win?
President William Ruto He had officially launched Odinga's ambition on August 27, 2024, revealing his vision and priorities of the AUC leadership.
In early September, Ruto and Odinga met with several African heads of state, including leaders from Guinea Bissau, Togo, Chad, Rwanda, Zambia, Congo Brazzaville, and Mali, to support Odinga's request.
Odinga will meet with Djibouti Foreign Minister Mahamoud Ali Youssouf and former Madagascar Foreign Minister Richard Randriamandrato in the next election.
SADC's position comes as an obstacle to Odinga, who estimated to get some votes from the regional community, but is now faced with the possibility of losing significant support.
However, it is unclear whether all SADC member states will vote in accordance with the order, as the process will be conducted in a secret ballot.
This anonymity allows specific nations to use their decision, in the possibility of introducing national interests or foreign influence, and making the final result uncertain.
This comes as Ruto arrives in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, ahead of the 38th regular meeting of the National Assembly of State and Government expected to take place on February 15 and 16.
It is during the meeting that the new Chairman of the African Union Commission will be elected to replace the departing chairman Moussa Faki.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
