Written by Lisa Murimi
President William Ruto has revealed that Botswana has endorsed Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship ahead of the February 2025 elections.Â
The endorsement was announced following a meeting between Ruto and Botswana’s President Duma Boko in Ghana.
“President Boko pledged his support for Hon. Raila Odinga’s African Union Commission chairperson bid,” Ruto stated on Wednesday via his X account.
This marks another significant milestone in Odinga’s campaign, which has seen a surge in support from across the continent.
On Tuesday, Ruto also confirmed endorsements from Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbe and Equatorial Guinea’s Vice-President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue.
Odinga, who was in Mauritius earlier this week, continues to consolidate his backing. Mauritius’ Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam hosted him following the withdrawal of the nation’s former foreign minister, Anil Gayan, from the race.
With endorsements from nations including Tanzania, Nigeria, Algeria, and South Sudan, Odinga’s campaign is gaining momentum.
He requires a minimum of 36 votes to secure victory in the first round against competitors Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and Madagascar’s Richard James Randriamandrato.
The high-stakes election is set to shape the African Union’s agenda, with all candidates presenting their visions during the December 2024 Mjadala Afrika Leadership Debate in Addis Ababa.
