By Dorothy Musyoka
The East African Youth Network has officially thrown its support behind Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairmanship.
In a recent press statement, the network, which represents the voices of young people across the East African Community (EAC), expressed its full confidence in Odinga’s ability to lead the AU and drive positive change for the continent.
“East African Youth Network South Sudan Chapter (EAYN-SSD) would like to join the rest of youth across the African continent in welcoming the candidature of Kenya’s former premier, Rt. Hon RailaOdinga for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC),” stated EAYN-SSD.
The statement highlighted Raila Odinga’s proven track record as a visionary leader with a deep commitment to Pan-African ideals and regional integration.
At the same time, EAYN-SSD spokesperson Augustino Deng Alier reiterated their confidence in Raila Odinga’s leadership qualities and expressed hope that his Chairmanship would pave the way for greater youth inclusion in AU processes and decision-making.
The East African Youth Network underscored his relentless advocacy for democracy, social justice, and economic empowerment, which has earned him respect not only in Kenya but also across Africa.
“The East Africa Youth Network South Sudan Chapter, happy of the candidature of Rt.Hon. Raila Odinga, we see him as a statesman of high qualification, professsional and experienced leader of global reputation a true Pan-African,” read the statement.
The Network also called upon other youth organizations across Africa to rally behind Odinga’s bid and emphasized the need for a unified front to support a leader who has continually championed the aspirations of young Africans.
“We the youth organizations under the network do follow in the foot-steps of our President of the Republic of South Sudan who is also the chairperson of the East Africa Community Bloc calls and lobbying other groups across the continent to rally behind Rt.Hon.Raila Odinga to achieve his victory as the next Chairperson of African Union Commission,” the statement read in part.
On 27th August 2024, President William Ruto launched Raila Odinga’s AUC chairmanship bid where different heads of state including Tanzania President Samia Suluhu,Uganda President Yoweri Museveni endorsed his bid.