Seychelles’ Prime Minister, Jean-François Ferrari, welcomed Raila Odinga, Kenya’s prominent political leader and candidate for the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), for a high-level meeting at Maison Quéau de Quinssy. The discussion focused on Odinga’s strategic vision for the AUC during the 2025-2029 term.
Odinga, who has been actively campaigning for the leadership position, presented his comprehensive agenda, which includes key initiatives aimed at addressing Africa’s most pressing challenges. These include strengthening continental unity, advancing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), tackling climate change, and enhancing the AUC’s capacity to drive sustainable development across Africa.
Odinga’s Key Priorities for the African Union
Odinga emphasized the following areas as critical to the future of the African Union:
- Promoting African Unity and Regional Integration: Strengthening unity and integration among African states to bolster economic growth and regional stability.
- Expanding the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA): Advancing the AfCFTA to unlock new opportunities for intra-continental trade, economic cooperation, and shared prosperity.
- Addressing Climate Change and Vulnerable Island States: With island nations like Seychelles facing existential threats from climate change, Odinga proposed tailored solutions to enhance the resilience of these nations and address environmental challenges across the continent.
- Boosting the AUC’s Effectiveness: Odinga stressed the need for a more robust AUC capable of implementing key development and peacebuilding initiatives to meet Africa’s growing demands.
The candidate underlined that Africa’s future demands strong leadership to address economic inequality, governance challenges, and environmental crises that continue to affect millions of people across the continent.
Seychelles’ Unique Challenges Highlighted
Prime Minister Ferrari expressed his appreciation for Odinga’s visit and outlined the specific challenges faced by island nations, particularly in the areas of climate resilience, economic diversification, and maritime security.
“We face unique challenges as island states, especially in terms of climate change, which disproportionately affects our environment,” Ferrari noted. “Our economy remains heavily dependent on tourism, and there is an urgent need for sustainable policies to diversify and strengthen our economic base.”
Ferrari further emphasized the importance of addressing maritime security issues, such as illegal fishing and piracy, which threaten the security of African waters.
Seychelles’ Support for Leadership that Reflects Inclusivity
Seychelles expressed its commitment to supporting a candidate who demonstrates a clear understanding of the challenges facing island nations and a strong resolve to address them within the context of the African Union. Ferrari stated:
“The African Union Commission must evolve to reflect the needs of its diverse member states. Seychelles will support a candidate whose leadership is inclusive, transformative, and responsive to the challenges we face.”
Key AUC Elections Ahead
The election for the AUC Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson will be one of the key agenda items at the upcoming African Union Summit, set to take place in Addis Ababa in February 2025. These elections will play a pivotal role in shaping the AU’s leadership and priorities for the next four years, particularly regarding development, peace, and regional integration.
Seychelles reaffirmed its commitment to regional cooperation and active engagement in the African Union’s initiatives. Prime Minister Ferrari concluded by stating:
“We are confident that the upcoming elections will bring forward a leader who can guide the AUC towards achieving peace, prosperity, and sustainable development for all African nations.”
Odinga’s Visit: A Step Toward Broadening Support
Raila Odinga’s visit to Seychelles highlights his ongoing efforts to garner support from across the African Union. By emphasizing the role of small island nations in shaping the future trajectory of the AU, Odinga seeks to ensure that all regions of Africa are represented and their concerns addressed.
As the February 2025 election draws closer, Odinga’s engagement with various African nations, including Seychelles, underscores his commitment to a leadership approach that prioritizes inclusivity and collaboration within the African Union.