AU Commission Debate: Raila to Face Off with 3 Rivals in Televised Interview.
Raila Odinga will join three other candidates on December 13, 2024, in a high-stakes televised debate for the prestigious position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC).
The Mjadala Afrika debate, hosted at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, will be a pivotal moment in the campaign for the AUC’s top leadership role. Raila will face off against Mahmoud Ali Youssouf from Djibouti, Richard Randriamandrato from Madagascar, and Anil Gayan from Mauritius.
Details of the Debate
Set to begin at 7:00 pm Eastern Africa Time (EAT), the debate will be broadcast live across the continent in six AU languages – English, French, Arabic, Portuguese, Spanish, and Swahili. The Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation will provide the feed for all public broadcasters in member states, ensuring widespread accessibility in the AU’s official languages.
The debate provides candidates with a platform to present their vision for implementing Agenda 2063, the African Union’s strategic blueprint for socio-economic transformation. As Africa grapples with challenges like economic inequality, climate change, and regional conflicts, the AUC Chairperson’s role is seen as central to shaping the continent’s future.
Organized as a solutions-focused dialogue, the debate will challenge candidates to articulate policies and strategies on critical priorities, including fostering unity, promoting sustainable development, and advancing Africa’s global position.
Candidate Profiles
Raila Odinga enters the race as a seasoned statesman with decades of experience in governance, infrastructure development, and diplomacy. Known for his Pan-Africanist ideals, Raila has mediated regional conflicts and spearheaded infrastructure initiatives under the AU. His campaign focuses on enhancing intra-African trade, fostering peace, and leveraging technology for economic growth, aligning closely with Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
His competitors also bring diverse expertise:
Mahmoud Ali Youssouf (Djibouti): An experienced diplomat advocating for Africa’s global influence and solutions to regional security challenges.
Richard Randriamandrato (Madagascar): An economist emphasizing inclusive growth, environmental sustainability, and regional cooperation.
Anil Gayan (Mauritius): A lawyer and former diplomat focused on governance reforms and building resilient institutions.
The Bigger Picture
The AU debate is more than just a platform to select a leader. It’s an opportunity for Africa to engage its citizens and inspire a shared vision for the future. By fostering transparency, Mjadala Afrika aims to stimulate public discourse on the direction of the African Union.
The December 13 debate marks a critical milestone, offering voters, policymakers, and citizens an unfiltered view of the leaders who aspire to shape Africa’s destiny. With solutions-driven dialogue at its heart, the debate promises to spotlight the candidates’ plans to tackle the continent’s most pressing challenges.
Article By Suzy Nyongesa.
