Guinea Bissau President Embalo backs Odinga’s AUC bid

President William Ruto on Saturday, January 25, hosted his Guinea-Bissau counterpart, Umaro Sissoco Embaló, at State House, Nairobi for a one-day State visit.

The two leaders discussed a range of issues, including Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the African Union Commission (AUC), reforms within the African Union (AU), expanding air connectivity between Kenya and Guinea-Bissau, and regional peace and security challenges.

Ruto expressed gratitude for Embaló's endorsement of Kenya’s candidate for the AUC Chairperson position, saying: “I express my deep appreciation to His Excellency for Guinea-Bissau's endorsement of Kenya's candidate for the position of AUC Chairperson for the 2025-2028 term. Kenya's candidature is informed by our longstanding commitment to championing the Pan-African agenda and delivering on the continent's aspirations.”

Guinea-Bissau’s support now joins that of other African countries, including Uganda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Ghana, Angola, and Seychelles.

Odinga, meanwhile, is pitching camp some 9,000 kilometers away, in Mauritania, as the race for the AUC post intensifies.

AU reforms

The two leaders also discussed AU reforms, which Ruto noted as critical to unlocking opportunities for the continent’s development.

“These reforms are essential to ensuring that the Union's institutions remain responsive, effective, and aligned with the evolving needs of our continent. I am committed to collaborating closely with Guinea-Bissau and other partners to drive this reform agenda and fulfill the mandate entrusted to me,” said Ruto.

Peace and security

Kenya and Guinea-Bissau pledged to work together to restore peace and stability in conflict-affected regions.

Ruto expressed concern about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan, highlighting the need for coordinated solutions.

“Peace and security must be front and center. There can never be meaningful trade or investment in an environment of anxiety and insecurity,” he said.

He also announced plans to collaborate with the Ministry of Transport and Kenya Airways to open up route connectivity between Kenya and Guinea-Bissau, to facilitate the movement of people and goods.