Odinga: The Visionary Leader Africa Needs For Change, Unity

As Africa yearns for trans­formative leadership to ad­dress the challenges facing its socio-economic and po­litical fabric comprehensively, Hon. Raila Odinga’s candidature for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson position couldn’t have come at a better time. An expert in mediation, infrastructure, and de­mocracy advocacy, with a wealth of experience in statecraft and pan-Af­ricanism, Odinga is the right person to chart the Commission’s new di­rection toward an era of enhanced regional and continental integration.

His diplomatic efforts in West Africa left a lasting impact. His in­volvement in the region commenced during a particularly turbulent peri­od, following the crisis triggered by the disputed 2010 presidential elec­tions in Côte d’Ivoire. After being appointed the AU special envoy, he mediated between then-incumbent president, Laurent Gbagbo and op­position leader, Alassane Ouattara.

Notably, the violent conflict jeopardised social stability in Côte d’Ivoire and the entire West African region. In a sense, the conflict could only be resolved through a more sub­stantial intervention from abroad. Nevertheless, Odinga’s willingness to unite factions and advocate for peace and stability attests to his com­mitment to the continent’s stability.

In Côte d’Ivoire, his involvement demonstrated the practical applica­tion of diplomacy; more important­ly, it illustrated how crises should be addressed. Maintaining peace and stability across Africa necessitates his experience.

Other than mediation, Odinga has been Africa’s strong advocate for the economic integration of the West African states. As the African Union’s High Representative for In­frastructure Development, he cham­pioned transformative infrastructure projects critical to enhancing region­al trade and mobility under the Af­rican Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

His support for the Trans-West Af­rican Highway Project, connecting Lagos in Nigeria to Dakar in Sene­gal, reflects his understanding of the transformative power of infrastruc­ture in fostering economic growth and unity. If anything, Odinga has helped mobilise political will and resources for the project, an aspect that has underlined connectivity as the core of the African integration process – a vision applicable to the ECOWAS member states interested in harmonising their economy. This has brought funding and political support to this area and provided a new life with the hope of cross-border trade and development.

Odinga’s unwavering commit­ment to democracy and governance has further deepened his ties to West Africa. In September 2021, following the coup d’état in Guinea, Odinga stepped into his role as a senior Af­rican statesman, engaging with re­gional leaders and advocating for a peaceful and swift return to civilian rule. His actions were aligned with ECOWAS’ efforts to stabilise the nation during a period of political uncertainty.

Drawing on his experience in gov­ernance and political reform, Odinga emphasised the need for dialogue and inclusive governance, recognising that political stability is a corner­stone of sustainable development.

His insistence on a democratic transition in Guinea was welcomed by both the leadership and the people, further strengthening his reputation as a steadfast advocate for democracy across the continent.

Odinga’s involvement in Guinea’s peaceful political transition under­scores his commitment to fostering unity during crises. Leveraging his extensive experience, he was able to mediate competing interests and en­sure harmonious coexistence. Such leadership is vital for the African Union, where the Chairperson often facilitates dialogue among diverse member states to uphold the princi­ples of peace, security, and democrat­ic governance.

Odinga’s influence in West Africa is not limited to crises or infrastruc­tural advocacy. It reflects a broader commitment to pan-African ideals prioritising collaboration, resilience, and inclusive development. His ad­vocacy for the African Continental Free Trade Area and his support for regional integration underscore his understanding of the structural bar­riers that have long hindered Africa’s economic potential.

Odinga has shown that he per­ceives Africa as a cohesive entity with shared goals and aspirations by advocating for projects that enhance connectivity and trade. With robust economies, cultural diversity, and significant geopolitical importance, West Africa stands to benefit from Odinga’s leadership at the African Union Commission. Simultaneously, the region’s challenges, such as politi­cal instability, economic inequalities, and the necessity for dependable in­frastructure, demand a leader who is profoundly experienced in tackling these issues with the utmost commit­ment. Odinga’s background in con­flict resolution, advocacy, and dem­ocratic governance positions him as exceptionally prepared to lead Africa towards greater unity and progress.

His leadership would address the immediate challenges facing West Africa and inspire a broader conti­nental transformation. Odinga’s abil­ity to engage with stakeholders at all levels – from grassroots organisations to international bodies – ensures that his approach to leadership is both inclusive and impactful. His vision perfectly suits the aspirations of mil­lions of Africans who desire peace, prosperity, and interconnectedness.

As Africa grapples with the challenges of globalisation, climate change, and economic transforma­tion, the need for visionary leader­ship at the African Union has never been greater. Odinga is a leader who has consistently demonstrated his commitment to these ideals in West Africa and beyond. His election as AUC Chairperson would signify a bold step toward realising the prom­ise of an integrated, peaceful, and thriving Africa – where West Africa plays a pivotal role in shaping the continent’s future.

*Achor is the CEO of Jade Communi­cations, Nairobi