Its a sigh of relief for Former Prime Minister Raila’s bid after Union Council tasked East African countries to produce the next AU chairperson.
According to reports, the Africa Union Executive Council has agreed to leave the African Union Commission Chairperson role to the East African Community (EAC).
This means that the next Africa Union chairperson MUST come from one of the East African countries therefore giving Raila Odinga the surety to compete in the upcoming Chairmanship elections.
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Confirming the reports, Foreign affairs minister Musalia Mudavadi said that its now clear for Raila’s AU bid and the coast is clear for the former Prime Minister.
“It is now clear that the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga will be in the race for the AU Commission Chairperson. Effectively, there are no more technical or legal hurdles preventing Kenya from submitting its candidate.”
There are five regions in the Africa Union and with the Chairmanship role given to East African region, the council also gave the Northern Africa region a chance to front candidates for the Deputy Chairperson.
The remaining three regions; Central African region, Southern African region and Western African region will front candidates who will compete for the six positions of African Union Commissioners.
There were plans to block candidates from countries who have held thr AU’s chairperson or vice chairperson role before where Kenya was to be affected due to the position of VC from 2008 to 2017. The position was held by Erastus Mwencha.
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However, Musalia noted that the decision was reached as per Rules of Procedure of the African Union policy organs.
“The decision is per 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.”