President Nangolo Mbumba has endorsed Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the African Union Commission chairmanship. Odinga’s campaign is focused on garnering support across southern Africa and addressing key issues such as travel barriers and youth empowerment. He emphasizes the need for a united Africa to fulfill the vision of its founding leaders, while facing competition from other candidates.
President Nangolo Mbumba has expressed Namibia’s support for Raila Odinga, the former Prime Minister of Kenya, as he seeks the chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC). Odinga’s visit to President Mbumba was part of his campaign to win backing across the African continent, specifically focusing on southern Africa.
The former Prime Minister has been visiting several southern African countries, including Zimbabwe and Mauritius, to rally support for his candidacy. Odinga mentioned that he was encouraged by friends to pursue this position, prompting President Mbumba to emphasize confidence in his candidacy.
Despite the encouragement, Namibian officials, including presidential press secretary Alfredo Hengari, stated that a definitive confirmation of support for Odinga’s bid would not be provided at that time. In total, 30 member states are required for Odinga to secure a position on the AUC.
Odinga is facing competition from two other candidates: Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Djibouti’s foreign affairs minister, and Richard Randriamandrato, Madagascar’s former finance and foreign affairs minister. Odinga articulated a vision drawing inspiration from the founding moments of the African Union, aimed at fostering unity and development across the continent.
Among his objectives are enhancing intra-African travel and trade, which he identified as hindered by stringent visa regulations. Odinga advocated for better infrastructure connectivity, including a proposed high-speed railway network, to facilitate travel and commerce between major African cities.
Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of focusing on the continent’s youthful demographic, noting that 70 percent of Africa’s population is below the age of 35. He highlighted the need for improved internet access and the incorporation of artificial intelligence to harness the potential of Africa’s youth.
The article addresses Raila Odinga’s bid for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission, detailing his campaign efforts throughout southern Africa. Namibia’s President Nangolo Mbumba’s endorsement signifies a key political support structure required for Odinga to meet the necessary backing from member states. The context also includes Odinga’s vision for a united Africa, which heavily emphasizes trade, youth empowerment, and the removal of barriers to movement across borders.
In conclusion, President Nangolo Mbumba has publicly supported Raila Odinga in his pursuit of the African Union Commission chairmanship. Odinga aims to unite the continent through improved infrastructure and trade while focusing on the potential of Africa’s youth. However, he faces competition from other candidates and must secure enough support from member states to succeed.
Original Source: www.namibian.com.na
