Rabat – Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga traveled to Morocco as part of his bid for the African Union (AU) Commission chairmanship, aiming to secure Moroccan backing in his campaign to lead the continental body.
The position, currently held by Moussa Faki Mahamat, will become vacant in February 2025 when elections will be held during the summit of heads of state and government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Three other candidates will also be in the race: Mahamoud Ali Youssouf from Djibouti, Anil Gayan from Mauritius, and Richard Randriamandrato from Madagascar.
In addition, four women are competing for the position of Vice-Chairperson of the Commission, including Morocco’s Latifa Akharbach, who will face representatives from Algeria, Libya, and Egypt. “Kenya will support the Moroccan candidacy,” Raila Odinga confirmed.
Welcomed by Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita upon his arrival in Rabat, Odinga described the visit as an opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties and address shared African challenges. “I am delighted to come back to Morocco. Kenya and Morocco enjoy long historical relationship,” he said.
A shared vision for Africa
During their meeting, the two leaders discussed some of the most pressing issues facing the continent, including climate change, migration, and youth employment.
Odinga pointed to Africa’s vast renewable energy potential as a significant opportunity for development. “Africa has the world’s greatest potential for renewable energy, whether solar, wind, or hydrogen. These resources must be developed to drive our continent forward,” he remarked.
Odinga also drew attention to the challenges of migration and youth unemployment, stressing: “We cannot ignore the tragedies unfolding as young Africans risk their lives trying to cross into Europe. It’s imperative to create opportunities at home to keep our youth safe and hopeful.”
Bourita commended his Kenyan host’s dedication to the continent and his efforts to foster Kenya-Morocco ties. “We are honored to welcome Mr. Odinga, a distinguished African leader who has achieved so much and consistently worked to strengthen relations between Kenya and Morocco,” the Moroccan FM said.
“Today’s visit provides a valuable opportunity to reflect on the challenges facing our continent and explore ways to address them collaboratively,” he added.
Morocco and Kenya strengthen AU collaboration
Odinga’s campaign reflects his stated vision for an African Union that plays a stronger role on the global stage. Bourita acknowledged Morocco’s ongoing contributions to the AU’s evolution.
“Our discussion touched on how the African Union can increase its presence internationally. Since Morocco’s return to the AU in 2017, it has taken an active role in this effort,” Bourita said.
He added that Odinga’s approach aligns with Rabat’s goals for a unified and prosperous Africa, concluding: “Morocco shares this vision for a stronger and more cohesive continent.”
Addressing climate change and migration
Both leaders recognized the urgency of combating the effects of climate change, including the floods and droughts that frequently disrupt African communities.
They also called for greater action to develop renewable energy resources as a path to sustainable growth.
Odinga also discussed the shared challenge of migration, pointing to the need for job creation to prevent young Africans from taking dangerous migration routes. “Our young people are Africa’s future, and we must give them reasons to stay and thrive on their own continent,” he said.
Morocco’s diplomatic role in Syria
While the visit focused on AU-related matters, Morocco’s broader diplomatic efforts in the Middle East provided context for its active role in addressing global challenges.
Speaking about the situation in Syria, Bourita reaffirmed its longstanding principles. “Under the guidance of King Mohammed VI, Morocco has consistently upheld a clear stance in preserving Syria’s territorial integrity, national sovereignty, and the unity of its people,” he argued. “This has been a steadfast position and will remain so for Morocco.”
The top Moroccan diplomat also expressed hope for a peaceful resolution of Syria’s challenges, stating: “The kingdom [of Morocco] hopes these developments will bring stability to Syria, fulfill the aspirations of its people, and pave the way for a brighter future and greater development for the country.”
As Morocco and Kenya continue to strengthen their ties, Odinga’s visit signals the potential for deeper collaboration to address Africa’s most pressing challenges. Both nations appear poised to leverage their partnership in building a more stable and prosperous future for the continent.
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