Former Prime Minister of Kenya, Raila Odinga, has made a compelling case for his leadership of the African Union Commission (AUC), declaring his readiness to start working immediately without the need for an induction.
His remarks came during the Africa Leadership Debate, also known as Mjadala Afrika, held on December 13.
A Visionary Leader for Africa
Odinga, who served as Kenya’s Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013, positioned himself as a transformational leader poised to guide Africa toward a prosperous future.
He emphasized the continent’s untapped potential and his capability to unlock it.
During the debate, he faced off against competitors Mahmoud Ali Youssouf from Djibouti and Richard Randriamandrato from Madagascar.
With confidence, Odinga stated, “I said that I am ready from day one when I am appointed. I don’t need any kind of induction. I’m ready to work for the continent, and I will offer my best.”
He used the powerful imagery of the African lion to illustrate his vision for Africa’s future, asserting, “The African Lion will begin to roar and tell its Asian tiger counterpart and European bear that this is going to be Africa’s millennium. This is the African year.”
Comprehensive Reform Agenda
Odinga laid out an ambitious reform agenda aimed at enhancing the African Union’s financial independence and operational efficiency.
A key component of his plan involves mobilizing resources from within Africa to lessen reliance on external donors.
He proposed the establishment of sovereign funds to empower the AU financially and emphasized the necessity for all member states to remit their 0.2% duty—currently paid by only 17 countries.
“There are reforms that will be necessary so that the AU can work effectively; one of these reforms would be financial reforms so that we can bring the African private sector into funding,” he explained.
Advocating for Africa’s Global Representation
In addition to his reform initiatives, Odinga pledged to advocate for Africa’s representation in the UN Security Council, seeking two permanent seats with veto powers if elected as AUC Chair.
He highlighted the importance of fair representation given Africa’s 55 sovereign nations.
Odinga criticized past unfulfilled promises by the AU to silence guns by 2020 and proposed a new target of achieving peace across Africa by 2035.
A Legacy of Leadership
Raila Odinga has been a significant figure in Kenyan politics for decades, known for his advocacy for democracy and governance reforms.
He has run for president five times, with each attempt marred by allegations of electoral fraud.
His political career includes serving as a Member of Parliament for Langata from 1992 to 2013 and leading various coalitions aimed at reforming Kenya’s political landscape.
His leadership during Kenya’s post-election crisis in 2007-2008 led to a power-sharing agreement with President Mwai Kibaki, resulting in his appointment as Prime Minister—a role that was pivotal in stabilizing the country during turbulent times.
The Future of African Leadership
As Raila Odinga seeks to lead the African Union Commission, his vision for a united and prosperous Africa resonates with many across the continent.
With a focus on reform, financial independence, and global representation, Odinga aims to transform the AU into a more effective body that directly impacts the lives of Africans.
The upcoming election in February 2025 will determine whether he can turn this vision into reality and guide Africa toward a brighter future.
Credit: msn
