Mudavadi travels to Ethiopia in compain for Odinga's AU chairmanship

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi is traveling to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Tuesday to support Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship.

According to a statement from Mudavadi’s office, Raila’s victory would strengthen Kenya’s influence in Africa and position the country in key decision-making roles. If elected, Raila will serve as a strong advocate for Africa’s interests.

During his visit, Mudavadi will participate in the 46th Session of the AU Executive Council, taking place from February 12-14, 2025. This meeting, attended by Foreign Ministers of AU member states, will include the election of AUC commissioners.

The Executive Council meeting will be followed by the 38th AU Summit for Heads of State and Government, which will focus on the theme: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.” President William Ruto is expected to attend this summit.

Mudavadi will also take part in several important meetings, including the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (AU CEVAWG) and a session on fighting malaria, titled “A Big Push to Deliver a Malaria-Free Africa.” Additionally, he will join discussions on immunization under the theme “Reaffirming Africa’s Commitment to Immunisation.”

He will also accompany President Ruto in chairing the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC). Moreover, Ruto will present a progress report on AU Institutional Reforms, a key responsibility he holds as the AU’s Champion on Institutional Reforms.

During the 38th AU Summit, African leaders will elect a new AUC chairperson to replace the current holder, Moussa Faki Mahamat. The election, scheduled for February 15-16, will take place in Addis Ababa. Raila Odinga is competing against Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mahamoud Ali Youssouf and Madagascar’s former Foreign Affairs Minister Richard Randriamandrato.

Only AU member states that are not under military rule can vote, meaning 48 out of 55 countries are eligible. A candidate must secure a two-thirds majority of the votes cast to win.

The new AUC chairperson will face significant challenges, including poverty, debt, insecurity, low literacy levels, and inadequate healthcare services. Addressing these issues will be a top priority for the elected leader.