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President William Ruto is currently in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he is advocating for the candidacy of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for the African Union Commission chairperson position.
The president arrived in Addis Ababa on Wednesday evening after completing a one-day official visit to Juba, South Sudan. He was received at Bole International Airport by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
During his time in Addis Ababa, President Ruto met with African diplomats based in Ethiopia. On Thursday, he addressed the Permanent Representatives Committee, which includes African ambassadors to the AU. In his X post, Ruto, who serves as the Champion of African Union Institutional Reforms, mentioned: “As the Champion of the African Union Institutional Reforms, I addressed the Permanent Representatives Committee comprising African ambassadors to the AU, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.”
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While the president did not specifically mention his support for Raila’s candidacy in his post, it is understood that he used the opportunity to lobby for Raila’s bid.
Raila, who was also in Addis Ababa for the session on Thursday, is in the city for a series of engagements. These include launching his campaign for the AUC chairperson position on Friday. Raila’s secretariat announced on Wednesday that the event would offer him a platform to engage with key African Union players and partners.
“The Addis event is a follow-up to the 27th August 2024 official reception of Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga’s candidacy in Nairobi and will allow the candidate to engage with AU formations and partners. He will use this opportunity to outline his pan-African vision and priorities, in line with AU Agenda 2063,” the secretariat said.
Later that evening, Raila will deliver a keynote address at the Grand Campaign Reception at the AU Multipurpose Hall.
On Thursday, President Ruto emphasized the need for consultation in his speech to the Permanent Representatives Committee. “It is essential that Africa becomes organized and builds the necessary synergy to tackle the challenges facing the continent. For this to happen, the African Union’s reform agenda must be thorough and consultative,” Ruto stated. He also noted that the reforms aim to make AU institutions more accountable, efficient, and effective in serving both Member States and the continent’s people.
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