How Raila's AU candidacy could transform regional dynamics

Raila Odinga during the launch of his AUC chairperson bid at State House, Nairobi. [File, Standard]

On February 15 and 16, 2025, African leaders will elect a new Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC). Among the leading contenders is Kenya's Raila Odinga, a seasoned statesman known for his long-standing advocacy of democracy and pan-Africanism.

Other notable candidates include Mahamoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti and Richard Randriamandrato from Madagascar, underscoring the election's competitiveness and strategic significance. As the election draws close, the geopolitical landscape is rapidly evolving with shifting alliances potentially influencing the outcome particularly within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).