By Lauryne Akoth
President William Samoei Ruto on Wednesday revealed that President Akufo-Addo has committed to support Kenya’s candidature for the position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission, 2025-2028.
He made the announcement during a press conference at President Akufo-Addo’s office after the two leaders held talks during President Ruto’s State Visit to Ghana.
“On 15th March 2024, the African Union Executive Council unanimously decided that candidates for the position of the next Chairperson of the Africa Union Commission would be nominated by the Eastern African regional States in accordance with the Statute of the AU Commission, the Rules of Procedure, the African Union policy organs and the decisions of the Assembly of Heads of States and Government,” said Ruto.
“Your excellency (Nana), my Dear Brother, I thank you most sincerely for accepting to support Kenya’s candidature for the position of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (2025-2028), which has been initiated following a comprehensive Stakeholder engagement process across government.” He further added.
Ruto stated that Kenya’s nomination is driven by the nation’s prominent position in advancing and upholding the Pan-African Agenda, focusing on independence, sovereignty, peace, security, development, prosperity, sustainability, and climate action.
He also revealed that Kenya will in turn support Ghana for the candidature of Ms. Shirley Botchwey, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, for the position of Commonwealth Secretary-General for the period 2024-2029.
Raila has received support from several heads of state including Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni, Tanzania’s Suluhu Hassan, and South Sudan’s Salva Kiir. He expressed his intention to meet other heads of state for talks to seek their support for the AU chair.