Major Setback for Raila as 16 Countries Given New Directive

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s ambition of becoming the next African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson has been dealt a blow after the Southern African Development Community (SADC) told its 16 member states to support Madagascar’s candidate, Richard Randriamandrato.

In a letter seen by Kenyans.co.ke and addressed to all the foreign ministers within the trade bloc, SADC advised its member states to vote for Randriamandrato in the upcoming election.

SADC comprises 16 countries which are located in the Southern part of Africa including Angola, Botswana, Comoros, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Eswatini, Lesotho, and Madagascar.

Other countries under the same economic bloc are Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

According to SADC, the decision was reached following a meeting held in Harare, Zimbabwe, last year when the 16 countries agreed to collaborate and front a candidate.

During the said meeting, the Committee of Ambassadors in Addis Ababa jointly with the Office of the Permanent Representative to the African Union were tasked with finding a potential candidate for the top continental role.

“Committee of Ambassadors in Addis Ababa, in collaboration with the Office of the Permanent Representative to the African Union, to closely monitor the process of the Election of Senior Leadership of the African Union Commission and provide further guidance on the way forward,” read the letter in part.

“They should find the best strategy to be adopted once the Panel of Eminent Africans finalises its shortlisting and encourage all Member States to offer support.

Following the announcement, Odinga’s hopes for the prestigious continental role have now been thrown into jeopardy, however, there is still no assurance as to whether the 16 member states will heed the demands of the letter.

The latest development comes even as 55 countries prepare to vote for the next AUC chairperson which is set to take place in Ethiopia’s capital Adis Ababa on Saturday, February 15.

Besides Raila and Randriamandrato, Djibouti has also fronted its candidate Mahmoud Youssouf who was yesterday forced to dismiss allegations of stepping down to support Odinga’s candidacy.

Meanwhile, the winner will be declared when a two-thirds majority of the 55 countries vote in favour of either of the three candidates.