Raila hosts European diplomats, drums up support for AU chair bid

Azimio leader Raila Odinga on Thursday hosted European diplomats at his Karen home.

The leaders exchanged views on bilateral, regional and global issues.

The Azimio boss held separate meetings with the Norwegian ambassador to Kenya Gunnar Andreas Holm and Australia's High Commissioner Ms Jenny Da Rin.

The former Prime Minister and the diplomats reaffirmed their commitment to the historic ties and shared values that link their nations.

They discussed ways to deepen bilateral and continental cooperation on local and global issues of mutual interest.

They reviewed the existing steadfast political, security, economic, and humanitarian support for Kenya and other African countries, including the situation in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo and the need for lasting peace in the regions.

At the same time, Raila shared his vision for expanded cooperation on other foreign policy priorities, including a free trade regime across the continent.

He briefed the diplomats on his quest for African Union Commission chairmanship and his plans for the continent should he ascend to office.

Both parties agreed on the need for a strong AU to drive potential game-changer issues like continental free trade, infrastructure development, open skies and investment in energy and internet connectivity.

Raila regretted that 60 years into independence, Africans had to fly to Europe to connect to certain parts of Africa and required multiple currencies and visas to access other African countries.

The former PM singled out continental integration, removal of non-trade barriers, global cooperation, stability and free movement of goods and people as priority areas he would focus on as AUC chair.

The diplomats encouraged Raila in his quest and expressed hope that he would focus the continent on critical matters holding it back.

The AU Executive Council ratified a decision to have Eastern Africa produce the next chairperson.

In a unanimous vote during the 22nd Extraordinary Session of the Executive Council, the AU Council also gave the deputy chairperson to Northern Africa.

In the arrangement, Central, Southern and Western Africa will flex muscles for the six slots for commissioners.

The decision is in accordance with the Statute of the AU Commission, the Rules of Procedure of the African Union policy organs and the decisions of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government.

Eastern Africa was widely expected to provide chairmanship given that the other regions had occupied the top seat.

Previous chairpersons are Cote D’Ivoire Amara Essy (2002 - 2003), Mali’s Oumar Konare (2003 -2008), South Africa’s Nkosazana Dlamini (2012 - 2017) and Chadian Moussa Faki (2017 - 2025).