After Raila Odinga lost the AUC chairperson election to Djibouti’s Mahmoud Youssouf, his allies have started to discuss a potential withdrawal of Kenya from the African Union. Key Kenyan politicians suggest reassessing financial commitments to the AU, reflecting broader concerns with its impact on member nations. The conversation highlights significant dissatisfaction with the AU’s structural efficacy in serving member interests.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s supporters have suggested that Kenya may consider withdrawing from the African Union (AU) following his defeat in the chairperson election of the African Union Commission (AUC). The election concluded during the 38th Ordinary Summit held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Mahmoud Youssouf, emerged victorious, receiving 33 votes from 49 heads of state after seven rounds of voting.
Odinga’s attempt for the position faced significant opposition, primarily from Mahmoud Youssouf and Richard Randriamandrato, former Foreign Affairs Minister of Madagascar. Following the results, there has been a surge of discontent among Odinga’s supporters, prompting discussions about Kenya’s association with the AU. Prominent voices, including Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, have indicated plans to advocate for Kenya’s potential exit from the AU and the East African Community (EAC).
The East African Community comprises eight member states: Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda, and Tanzania. Concurrently, Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi has urged a review of Kenya’s financial contributions to the AU, suggesting a reduction in payments and considering an exit. This discontent points to deeper frustrations concerning the AU’s structure and its perceived effects on member nations’ interests.
Senator Ledama Olekina of Narok has also contributed to the discourse, recognizing President William Ruto’s backing of Odinga’s candidacy while calling for a reassessment of the AU’s organizational framework. He provocatively asked, “Why not divide the African Union into two?” The election for the AUC chairperson exclusively involves member states, and this process is currently free from military influence, with roles rotating among the AU’s five regional divisions.
The reactions following Raila Odinga’s defeat for the AUC chairperson position highlight significant dissatisfaction among Kenyan politicians regarding the AU’s influence and structure. As discussions emerge about the potential withdrawal from the AU and reassessment of financial commitments, the situation underlines a critical moment in Kenya’s diplomatic landscape. The overarching sentiment reflects broader concerns about how the AU aligns with the interests of its member states.
Original Source: mwakilishi.com
