Raila Odinga’s AUC Bid Faces Hurdle as 16 SADC Nations Endorse Madagascar’s Candidate
Azimio leader Raila Odinga’s ambition to become the next African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson has encountered a significant challenge after the Southern African Development Community (SADC) officially threw its support behind Madagascar’s candidate, Richard J. Randriamandrato.
According to a letter addressed to Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, SADC Executive Secretary Elias M. Magosi confirmed that the regional bloc had unanimously backed Randriamandrato’s candidacy. This endorsement follows Mauritius’ withdrawal from the race, leaving Madagascar as the sole SADC representative in the contest.
The decision to consolidate support around one candidate was reached during the SADC Council meeting in August 2024 in Harare, Zimbabwe. The letter detailed that both Madagascar and Mauritius had initially put forward candidates—Richard J. Randriamandrato and Anil Kumarasingh Gayan, respectively. However, Mauritius later withdrew, making Randriamandrato the only contender from the region.
“With Mauritius no longer in the race, Madagascar remains the sole SADC nation vying for the AUC chairmanship,” the letter stated. It further urged all SADC member states, including South Africa, Angola, Botswana, Namibia, and Zambia, to unite in supporting Randriamandrato’s bid.
Randriamandrato, a former Minister of Foreign Affairs in Madagascar, has since intensified diplomatic efforts to solidify his backing among SADC nations. The letter also indicated that due to time constraints, an Extraordinary Council of Ministers meeting would not be necessary to formalize the decision. Instead, SADC member states are expected to acknowledge and align with the Secretariat’s directive in favor of Madagascar’s candidate.
With 16 countries now backing Randriamandrato, Raila Odinga’s path to securing the AUC chairperson position appears increasingly uncertain.
The SADC bloc comprises 16 nations: Angola, Botswana, Comoros, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
As the AU election draws closer, the shifting alliances within the continental political landscape could prove crucial in determining the outcome of the race for the commission’s top position.
