Kenya’s nominee for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson position, Raila Odinga, will participate in the highly anticipated Mjadala Afrika live debate tonight, Friday, December 13, 2024. Broadcast across the continent from the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the debate runs from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM East African Time.
In a social media post on the eve of the debate, Raila Odinga expressed his enthusiasm:
“I am in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, conducting rehearsals for the Mjadala Afrika debate tomorrow evening. It has been a great opportunity to interact with my fellow contestants for the AUC Chairmanship race.”
The debate is a critical milestone leading up to the February 2025 elections for the AUC Chairperson role. It brings together all the candidates vying for this influential position: Raila Odinga; Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf; and Madagascar’s former Foreign Affairs Minister, Richard Randriamandrato.
During rehearsals, the candidates were briefed by African Union officials on the debate’s rules and protocols and had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the venue and stage.
The debate will be conducted in both English and French, with simultaneous interpretation in all six official AU languages: English, French, Arabic, Portuguese, Spanish, and Swahili. Moderators Anita Erskine of Erskine Global Communications and media expert Fatima Charef will lead the discussion.
To engage citizens across the continent, the African Union invited questions from the public, ensuring the debate reflects the concerns and aspirations of Africa’s people.
Related story: Raila Intensifies AUC Chair Campaigns in North Africa
The Mjadala Afrika debate provides a platform for candidates to present their vision for advancing Africa through the AU’s mandate and Agenda 2063. It also allows citizens and stakeholders to raise pressing issues, such as sustainable development, regional integration, and Africa’s global standing.
Speaking ahead of the debate, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf outlined his priorities, stating:
“If elected AUC Chairperson, I will engage heads of state, decision-makers, and stakeholders to reduce labor exportation and instead channel those skills toward Africa’s development.”
As the candidates make their case for one of the continent’s most pivotal leadership positions, tonight’s debate will be a vital moment for Africa’s citizens to assess their visions for tackling the challenges and harnessing the opportunities shaping the continent’s future.
