Kenya’s opposition leader Raila Odinga has revealed the major reason behind his exit from the African Union (AU) as the High Representative for Infrastructure in Africa.
In a statement dated February 23, 2023, Raila said that the journey of his exit from his role started three weeks ago, after he felt that it was becoming challenging for him to undertake his duties due to availability.
“During our meeting on the sidelines of the 2nd Dakar African Infrastructure Financing Summit in Dakar, Senegal about three weeks ago, I indicated the challenges to my continued availability for the role of AU High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa,” Raila stated.
It is not clear whether the former Prime Minister requested the continental body to end his tenure, or the leadership made the decision independently. However, Raila thanked the body for acting swiftly and relieving him of his duties.
“In that regard, I welcome your quick action that will free me to pursue other pressing and urgent matters,” Raila said.
In a letter dated February 19, 2023, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat said that Raila’s role will be handled by the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD.
Your exceptional leadership and unique command of the issues concerned has been crucial to the leveraging of infrastructure as a key priority within the Continental agenda. The transformation of the NEPAD Agency to the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD has now been completed, with full mandate to implement the Continental agenda on infrastructure,” Mahamat stated.
In his letter, Raila challenged AU to get rid of certain challenges, including the leadership’s unwillingness to embrace development and external influence that is stifling development in the continent.
“Many challenges remain, including the inaction by the Continent’s leadership and vested interests outside the Continent that are only too keen to keep Africa in its present condition. Hopefully, the continent will overcome these,” Raila wrote.
Raila was appointed to the role on October 20, 2018, after a truce with former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
In the recent past, Raila has been at loggerheads with the current administration, refusing to recognise the legitimacy of President William Ruto.
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