Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga Seeks Morocco’s Support for African Union Leadership
Raila Amolo Odinga, former Prime Minister of Kenya and candidate for the position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission, visited Morocco to gain the country’s support for his bid to lead the African Union.
On December 9, 2024, Odinga held a meeting with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, representing Kenya, during which he highlighted Morocco’s influential role in Africa, particularly its leadership in infrastructure projects.
Bourita described Odinga as an important figure in Africa and acknowledged his contributions to strengthening the relationship between Rabat and Nairobi in the past. He also expressed Morocco’s interest in the African Union Commission’s vision, particularly in areas such as high-speed rail infrastructure.
Odinga, in turn, expressed his admiration for Morocco’s efforts towards continental development and hoped that Morocco would support his candidacy for the leadership of the African Union. He also emphasized the alignment between the priorities of the African Union and King Mohammed VI’s vision for Africa.
This meeting comes at a time when bilateral relations between Kenya and Morocco have strengthened. In August, Kenya symbolized this growing cooperation by opening an embassy in Morocco. Furthermore, Morocco’s Foreign Minister Bourita’s visit to Nairobi in May had laid the foundations for closer ties between the two countries.
