Kenya has started talks to convince Somalia to give up its candidacy for the African Union Commission, so that Somalia will support Raila Odinga who has nominated Kenya.
Kenya made its position clear, during a meeting on Tuesday, May 7, between the Vice President of Kenya, Rigathi Gachagua, and the Prime Minister of Somalia, Hamse Abdi Bare, in Nairobi.
Kenya said it is campaigning for Somalia to leave with its candidate Fawzia Haji Adam, according to Dr. Sing’oei who is the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kenya.
The official said they are hopeful that Somalia is ready to support Kenya’s request.
Dr. Sing’oei said that Kenya is committed to reaching an agreement on the right person to represent the Horn of Africa region and lead the African Union.
Kenya is also planning another round of talks with Djibouti, which in early April announced its candidate for chair of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.
This news from Kenya came after Somalia said it has the support of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, an organization that includes more than 27 African countries.
