President William Ruto has arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia ahead of the African Union Commission (AUC) elections slated for Saturday, February 15, 2025.
He is expected to rally support for Raila Odinga, one of three contenders for the chairmanship of the AU Commission to succeed Moussa Faki Mahamat who has served two terms.
The former Prime Minister from Kenya is set to face off two other candidates namely; Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar and Mahamoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti in the elections set to be held this weekend during the 38th AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia by the AU Assembly via a secret ballot.
The Head of State will also attend the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union from 15th to 16th February 2025 at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The Assembly is the AU’s supreme policy and decision-making organ comprising all Member State Heads of State and Government.
The Assembly determines the AU’s policies, establishes its priorities, adopts its annual programme and monitors the implementation of its policies and decisions.
The African Union theme of the year 2025 will focus on Reparatory Justice and Racial Healing Under the Theme: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations. The theme will officially be launched by Heads of State and Government.
Strengthening Africa-Caribbean collaboration
Meanwhile, President Ruto on Thursday evening held bilateral talks with Barbados Prime Minister Mia Motley, who is a guest of the African Union at the 38th Extra Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government.
The two leaders discussed the ongoing crisis in Haiti, with both expressing optimism that the Multinational Security Support Mission will help restore stability and deliver tangible benefits to the Haitian people.
“We agreed to continue working together in the search for peace in Haiti. We also expressed hope that the Multinational Security Support mission will deliver dividends to the people of the Caribbean nation.” Ruto noted.
Similarly, President Ruto reiterated the importance of Africa and the Caribbean working together on issues such as economic development, climate change, and peacebuilding.
He emphasized that their shared history and cultural identity provide a strong foundation for deeper cooperation in global affairs.
“Africa and the Caribbean have a shared history, culture and identity dating back several centuries. The two regions have been working closely, including on initiatives such as the Caribbean Community-Africa Summit whose inaugural meeting was held in 2021.” He remarked.
Also read https://www.kbc.co.ke/mudavadi-to-lead-final-push-for-raila-odingas-au-chair-bid/
