ADDIS ABABA: The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat has urged its 16-member states to rally behind Madagascar’s candidate, Richard Randriamandrato, in the upcoming African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson elections.

Despite this endorsement, Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary, Korir Sing’oei, has reaffirmed confidence in former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s bid for the top AU position.

Odinga is relying on his diplomatic experience and past engagements to secure the coveted seat.

The election, scheduled for Saturday, February 15, 2025, will determine the successor to Moussa Faki, the outgoing AU Commission Chairperson.