Raila’s role as AU’s special envoy on Infrastructure discontinued, welcome the move

The former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s role as an African Union (AU) special envoy on Infrastructure has been discontinued even as the former premier welcomed the move as timely to enable him pursue what he termed as more pressing matters.

Through a correspondence addressed to Raila dated February 19, 2023, the African Union Commission (AUC) Moussa Faki Mahamat thanked Raila for his service and wished him well in future.

He said the African Union Development Agency – New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD) will take over the role.

“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 said.

And in a quick rejoinder, Raila said that he was glad that his request had been granted, freeing him up to “pursue other pressing and urgent matters”.

“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. In that regard, I welcome your quick action that will free me to pursue other pressing and urgent matters.” Raila has said in response to Mahamat’s notice.

Mahamat noted that Raila will still remain a valuable person to the Union.

“Your role in this journey, Excellency, has been invaluable. Allow me to express my profound gratitude for accepting to serve in this role during the transition period, which has now come to a happy conclusion. The African Union hopes to continue counting on your support for other possible assignments. Wishing you all the best in your future endeavours. Please accept, Excellency, the expression of my highest consideration and personal esteem.” Mahamat added.

Raila expressed gratitude for having been granted opportunity to contribute to the transformation of the NEPAD Agency to African Union Development Agency (AUDA)-NEPAD, among other contributions during his tenure.

He pointed out that there were many challenges, 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. I will be indicating when I might be available for deployment on continental assignment as circumstances change. Please, accept the assurances of my highest consideration and personal esteem.” Raila affirmed.

The opposition leader and the One Kenya Coalition boss has been AU’s High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa since October 20, 2018.

Raila has severally been on record calling for president William Ruto’s exit from office saying his administration is illegitimate.