Ruto pressures Somalia to withdraw its AU Commission candidate in support of Raila

Kenya has begun talks to persuade Somalia to abandon its African Union Commission candidate, Fawzia Yusuf Adam, in support of Raila Odinga.

Kenya made its intention clear during a meeting on Tuesday, May 7, chaired by Vice President Rigathi Gachagua, who received Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre at his Karen residence in Nairobi.

According to a source familiar with the lobby, there is a green light for Somalia to comply with Kenya’s wish and withdraw its candidate who supports Raila.

However, Somalia says it has the support of the Organization of Islamic Corporations, an intergovernmental organization consisting of more than 27 African states.

Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud (left) and President William Ruto during a meeting at State House in Nairobi on April 12, 2024.

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Kenya is also planning a similar round of talks with Djibouti, which has also fielded a candidate for the same AU position. Ruto’s team will try to knock Djibouti out of the race in favor of the Azimio leader.

In early April, Djibouti announced its candidate for president of the AC Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf will challenge Raila for the position.

The AU has also set a deadline for submission of critical documents, including Curriculum Vitae, for those wishing to compete for the AU Commission post.

All candidates seeking the prestigious continental position will be required to submit their documents by August 6, 2024, 5 pm Addis Ababa time.

Raila has since received immense approval from several African heads of state, the latest being Zimbabwe. Emmerson Mnangagwa, who pledged support for Raila.

Mnangagwa pledged support to Raila during President Ruto’s visit to Zimbabwe in April On December 26, where the two heads of state held a two-day meeting.

Meanwhile, the other things that dominated Kenya’s meeting with Somalia included areas of political consultations, education and advocacy.

According to Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, the three bilateral instruments are aimed at further solidifying bilateral cooperation for the mutual benefit of the people of the two countries.

President William Ruto addresses a delegation.

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