Kenyans interested in participating in the much-awaited African Union Commission chairmanship debate, dubbed Mjadala Afrika, which will feature former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, have been given an opportunity.
The debate, which will be aired across the continent, will include a session for African members to ask questions as the debate progresses. Both those following online and those in the auditorium will have the opportunity to participate.
The aim of the encouraged public participation is to ensure that the debate addresses the concerns and aspirations of the African populace.
“On behalf of the AU Commission, the ICD is encouraging public participation through watching on the various channels and sending questions during the debate, some of which will be put to the candidates, using the X platform @_AfricanUnion,” AUC said in its official website.
President William Ruto (right) and Raila Odinga (right) meet President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau in China.
PCS
Odinga is in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, as he gears up for the much-awaited African Union Chairmanship debate slated for Friday, 13 December.
Raila, who jetted into Addis Ababa on Wednesday, was received by the Deputy Head of Mission, Petronilla Were, for the debate rehearsals. The ODM party leader has prepared a ten-point manifesto that he hopes will convince member states to vote for him so he can clinch the top position.
The Mjadala Afrika debate, scheduled for Friday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., is set to provide a platform for the candidates to discuss their visions, ideas, and priorities on various policies that will help the AU realise its 2063 Agenda.
“The debate concentrates on policy issues and a solutions-oriented attention on how each candidate intends to advance the realisation of the Aspirations and Goals of Agenda 2063, other AU projects with continental focus, and Common African Positions,” the AUC noted.
The debate will have two moderators one English and one French speaking. All the public broadcasters of the 55 AU member state will carry the live broadcast, Kenyans can watch through Citizen TV.
The debate will also be aired across six languages will also be available on the AU’s website.
Raila is set to face off with Djibouti’s current Foreign Affairs Minister, Mahmoud Ali, and Madagascar’s former Foreign Affairs Minister, Richard Randriamandrato. Mahmoud Ali is seen as Raila’s toughest competitor.
Former Mauritius Foreign Affairs Minister Anil Kumarsingh Gayan withdrew earlier this month.
Raila’s ten-point plan includes Economic Transformation, Infrastructure Development, Financial Independence, Gender Equity and Equality, Agricultural Transformation, Climate Action, Harnessing Youth Potential, Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence.
Raila will also address Continental Integration, Peace, and Security across the African continent.
The three candidates have been issued rules and regulations they are expected to follow, including 15-minute opening remarks for each candidate.
After the opening remarks, there will be a question-and-answer session moderated by the debate panel, followed by reactions from members of the continent, including those following online and those present in the debate hall.
The debate is expected to clear the road and shape the race for Moussa Faki’s successor, whose term comes to an end in February 2025.
Leaders at the launch of Raila’s AU Candidacy at State House on August 27, 2024.
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PSC