Raila and other East Africans who have served at African Union Commission

Even as he shuttles across Africa in search for support for his bid at the African Union Commission, Raila Odinga is on a trodden path; he has been there before albeit at a lower level.

But he is not the only East African who has served at Addis, the seat of African Union. Here is what he was picked to do for the Pan African organisation plus mandate of other other East Africans.

• Raila Odinga (Kenya): Served as the AU High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa (2018-2023). This is a senior position within the AUC, focusing on continental infrastructure projects.
• Dr. Speciosa Wandira-Kazibwe (Uganda): Served as the AU Special Envoy for Women, Peace, and Security (2014-2023). This is another top AUC post promoting women’s participation in peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
• Erastus Mwencha (Kenya): Served as the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission (2008-2012). This is the second-highest position in the AUC hierarchy.

It’s worth noting that while these individuals held high-level positions, the most senior role within the AUC is the Chairperson of the African Union Commission. So far, no East African has yet held that specific position.

Here is a list of past African Union Commission (AUC) Chairpersons, the highest role within the AUC, and their regions of origin:

• Amara Essy (Côte d’Ivoire): 2001-2003 (West Africa)
• Alpha Oumar Konaré (Mali): 2003-2008 (West Africa)
• Jean Ping (Gabon): 2008-2012 (Central Africa)
• Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma (South Africa): 2012-2017 (Southern Africa)
• Moussa Faki Mahamat (Chad): 2017-present (Central Africa)

Important Note:

• The African Union divides the continent into five regions: North, South, East, West, and Central.
• No one from the East African region has yet held the position of AUC Chairperson.

The date of the next summit where elections for Chairperson could be held, several candidates have shown interests.

The summit might be held is in early 2025.

But even before then, Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga has declared his interest, sparking a debate around the issue, especially on how that could change Kenya’s political landscape.

A renowned Kenyan opposition leader, Raila’s political acumen and regional influence may boost his chances. But there are other candidates who are yet to announce their interest but could join the race later are Specioza Kazibwe of Uganda and Jakaya Mrisho Kiketwe, Tanzania’s former president.

Kenya’s former Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohammed lost narrowly in the previous AUC election to the current chairman.

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) holds a pivotal role in driving the performance of the AU Commission, ensuring the realization of the continental vision for an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa. Let’s delve into the specifics of their responsibilities:

Chief Executive Officer (CEO):
o The Chairperson serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the African Union (AU) Commission.
o They are the Legal Representative of the Union and the Accounting Officer of the Union.

Statutory Functions:
o Financial Oversight: As the Accounting Officer, the Chairperson administers and enforces the AU Financial Rules and Regulations across the Union, ensuring overall administrative and financial compliance.
o Meeting Leadership: The Chairperson presides over all Commission meetings, determining the order of agenda items, facilitating inclusive discussions, and guiding decisions toward consensus.
o Promotion of AU Objectives: They undertake measures to promote and popularize the AU’s objectives, enhancing its performance in fulfilling its mandate.
o Reporting and Decision-Making: The Chairperson submits reports to the AU Assembly, Executive Council, Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC), and other organs to inform effective decision-making.
o Budget and Planning: Collaborating with the PRC, the Chairperson prepares the AU budget and strategic planning documents, ensuring timely resource allocation for AU objectives.
o Depository for Treaties: The Chairperson acts as a depository for all AU and OAU treaties and legal instruments.
o Facilitating Organ Functions: They facilitate the functioning, decision-making, and reporting of all AU organ meetings, ensuring alignment with agreed AU policies, strategies, programs, and projects.
o Diplomatic Representation: The Chairperson consults and coordinates with Member States, other institutions, and Regional Economic Communities (RECs), carrying out AU’s diplomatic representations.
o Capacity Building: Leading efforts to determine the size and structure of the African Union Commission, the Chairperson ensures adequate capacity to fulfill the Commission’s mandate.

Guiding Principles:
o The Chairperson demonstrates a high commitment to pan-African values and the guiding principles of the African Union.