DRC: President Félix Tshisekedi welcomes Raila Odinga to the African Union headquarters
Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi recently hosted former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga at the “Cité de l’Union Africaine” in Kinshasa, where Odinga sought the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) backing for his bid to become the next Secretary-General of the African Union (AU).
During the meeting, Raila Odinga outlined his aspirations and strategic plans for the AU should he be elected.
President Tshisekedi listened intently to Odinga’s proposals, displaying particular interest in his vision for the future of the AU.
Beyond the topic of Odinga’s candidacy, the discussion expanded to cover a range of pressing issues that impact the African continent.
Central to their talks were themes of security, sustainable development, and climate change—issues that both leaders agreed are interconnected and vital for Africa’s progress.
Security concerns dominated the conversation, with Tshisekedi and Odinga focusing on the challenges faced by many African countries, including their own.
They explored ways to enhance regional cooperation to combat terrorism, armed conflicts, and widespread insecurity that hinder development efforts.
The dialogue also touched on strategies to advance sustainable development across Africa.
The leaders discussed initiatives to improve infrastructure, expand access to energy, and ensure responsible management of natural resources.
They recognized sustainable development as a cornerstone for achieving fair and lasting economic growth for all African nations.
This meeting underscored the shared commitment of Tshisekedi and Odinga to address the continent’s most urgent challenges while also highlighting the importance of unified African leadership within the AU.
Jean-Robert Tchandy