Why Raila is the best bet for Africa at the AU commission

This weekend, Africa faces yet another test on its never-ending quest to enhance its foundation for social, political and economic transformation as it gears up for the all-crucial African Union Commission Chairperson’s election. 

Coincidentally, Kenya and indeed the larger East African Community (EAC) has offered arguably the best of the three candidates contesting the position, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. 

Impeccable credentials of certified Pan-Africanism and reform-oriented diplomacy and a remarkable track record of local, regional, continental and international consensus building and conflict resolution; are just but a few of the many building blocks of the former prime minister’s enviable curriculum vitae as he goes for the job. In Odinga’s candidature lies the foresightedness and forthright dedication to enable him navigate the complex African economic and political landmines and deliver on the vision of the continent; especially Agenda 2063. 

This election comes at critical time in the global political landscape when developing countries – most of which make up the African Continent – are grappling with the shockwaves of the unprecedented cuts in foreign aid from the United States, following a shift in policy of the recently elected US President Donald Trump. 

Under AU Agenda 2063, the Continent’s vision is to be global powerhouse to deliver inclusive and sustainable development anchored on the ideals of Pan-Africanism, African Renaissance, self-determination, freedom, progress and collective prosperity of the continent. It is remarkable that Odinga – in his AUC manifesto – appears to have forecasted such a scenario and cautioned on the need to enhance the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA), as a long-term strategy to bolster intra-African trade.  

History has proven that chairpersons with deeper and more visible credentials of leadership have steered critical reforms in the AU and left the continental body at more visionary footing by the time of their exit from the seat. In the early 2000s former Mali President Alpha Oumar Korane is remembered to have used his strong democratic and pan-African credentials to bolster the image of the AU among its other continental and regional peers and such strategic entities as the European Union and the G-20. 

Indeed, this proved a critical foundation in subsequent years when Dlamini-Zuma, of South Africa ascended to the AUC Chair post – the first time a candidate from a Continental superpower occupied the position – and went on to steer drafting of the Vision 2063, which provided the continent with a strategic blueprint upon which major developments on the continent have been anchored.

If fully implemented, this would bolster the economic fortunes of individual African countries and help shield the continent from unfavourable external policies.

Odinga has been a consistent voice for homegrown African solutions to challenges facing the continent far and beyond the economic spheres. Additionally, Odinga also goes for the top job when several African countries are in turmoil over domestic conflicts, cross-order wars and the ever-growing threat of terrorism on the Continent. 

Notably, the armed conflict in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, has put on the dialogue table diplomats and the Heads of State from the East African Community as well as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) with the view of finding a lasting solution. This is more reason why Odinga, as a certified diplomat and peace-maker deserves that chance.

Under Odinga, the AU has an opportunity to tackle climate change, poverty, economic inequality as well as peace and security among other spheres of continental importance. Africa holds a strategic place in the globally interconnected world where diplomacy, consultation and collaborations beyond territorial and continental barriers is paramount. In the AU context this can be achieved under the stewardship of a certified diplomat; and Odinga is the continent’s best bet; to steer the continental body’s diplomacy on mutual respect, goal-oriented negotiation and consensus building.

The writer is Chairperson of the National Assembly Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee and MP for Belgut