RECALLING THAT, the African Union (AU), the successor to the Organisation of African Unit…

Motion text

RECALLING THAT, the African Union (AU), the successor to the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), was launched in 2002 as a continental body consisting of the 55-member states that make up the countries of the African Continent, with the vision of creating an Integrated, Prosperous and Peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena; AWARE THAT, the African Union Commission (AUC), established as the Secretariat responsible for the day to day operations and activities of the AU, is headed by the Chairperson elected by Heads of State and Government from member-states; RECALLING THAT, on 27th February 2024, Kenya formally announced that the former Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, EGH, would be vying for the position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), building on his previous service as the African Union Special Envoy for Infrastructure Development in Africa from 2018 to 2023; APPRECIATING THAT, in recognition of the immense Pan- African ideals embodied in the candidacy of the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, his dedication and leadership in advancing the cause of the African continent through various initiatives and positions held over the years, including his previous service as the African Union Special Envoy for Infrastructure Development in Africa from 2018 to 2023, H.E. the President endorsed the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga as Kenya’s candidate for the Chairperson of the African Union Commission; NOTING THAT, the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga's candidacy for the position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission was not only his personal ambition but also a symbol of Kenya’s deep commitment to the goals of the African Union and its desire to actively participate in shaping the continent’s future; COMMENDING the Government of Kenya, led by His Excellency the President, for the Pan-African campaign in support of the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, reinforced by Kenya’s commitment to regional and continental integration and cooperation and guided by Kenya’s Foreign Policy; FURTHER COMMENDING the remarkable achievement by Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga for emerging the runner-up in the election of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission on Saturday, 15th February 2025; RECOGNIZING, the need to sustain Kenya’s growing prominence on the continental stage and advocacy for a more united, prosperous, and self-reliant Africa in resonance with the aspirations of millions of Africans, who seek to see the continent empowered to chart its own course in the global arena; NOW THEREFORE, this House— (i) records its thanks to His Excellency, Dr. William Ruto, CGH, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces of the Republic of Kenya for endorsing the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, EGH, as Kenya’s candidate for election as the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) and for coordinating the continental campaign in support of his candidacy; (ii) expresses its profound thanks to the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, EGH, for demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the service of Africa by offering himself as Kenya’s candidate for the position of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, for his leadership in advancing pan-African unity, for his dedication to the development and integration of the African continent and for his distinguished attempt at the election, in which he emerged as the runner-up; and, (iii) records its congratulations to H.E. Mahamoud Ali Youssouf on his election as the Chairperson of the African Union Commission on Saturday, 15th February 2025.