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As the race for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson heats up, former Head of Kenya’s Mission to the United Nations, Ambassador Martin Kimani, Sunday dismissed the potential impact of the Gen Z wave on Raila Odinga’s bid for the coveted position.
Speaking on Citizen TV, Ambassador Kimani argued that while Generation Z has driven significant transformative change in Kenya, their influence is likely to be minimal in the AU leadership contest. “The Gen Z wave is absolutely irrelevant to how the vote will turn out, and that highlights a major problem with the African Union—its inability to connect with young Africans,” he stated.
Kimani acknowledged the growing interest of young Africans in the upcoming election, but he believes their engagement will not sway the final decision. “Reaching out to Gen Z won’t affect the vote, but it gives the impression of older men speaking on behalf of young people,” he added.
Despite his skepticism about their direct impact on the election, Kimani praised Generation Z across the continent for showing enthusiasm and voicing their opinions. He suggested that their involvement could pressure the AU to implement more youth-inclusive reforms.
Kimani stated that if Odinga were to secure the chairperson role, his most significant challenge would be to strengthen youth engagement across the continent, which is home to over one billion people. “His team needs to reflect the diversity of the continent. It should include young Africans with the technological skills, passion, and openness necessary to connect effectively,” he remarked.
Odinga faces stiff competition from Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, who is seen as his strongest rival, as well as former Mauritian Foreign Minister Anil Kumarsingh and Richard James Randriamandrato, the former Foreign Minister of Madagascar.
The final decision will be made by the Heads of State and Government, who will convene in Addis Ababa in February 2025 to elect the Chair and Deputy Chair by secret ballot. A two-thirds majority of the 55 member states is required for victory.
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