An outspoken Member of Parliament from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has raised serious concerns over the potential impact of the ongoing crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s bid for the chairperson role at the African Union Commission (AUC). Saboti MP Caleb Amisi warned that the worsening situation in the DRC could complicate the voting decisions of key countries, potentially putting Raila’s chances in jeopardy.
The conflict in the DRC recently escalated when rebel groups, allegedly backed by Rwandan President Paul Kagame, seized control of Goma, a critical city in Eastern Congo. The violence has led to widespread instability in the region, prompting global attention and diplomatic tensions.
In response to the crisis, President William Ruto, as chair of the East African Community (EAC), convened an emergency summit on Wednesday with several regional heads of state to discuss the situation. However, the DRC President, Félix Tshisekedi, notably did not attend the meeting, signaling possible tensions between the countries involved.
Amisi expressed concerns that the political turmoil in the DRC has created a challenging geopolitical landscape, one that could significantly influence the upcoming AUC election. He emphasized that the six nations which have publicly endorsed Raila Odinga could now reconsider their support due to the complexities introduced by the crisis in Congo.
“Dear President Ruto, every vote counts in this AUC election, and the stakes are higher than ever,” Amisi remarked. “I urge you to tread carefully when navigating the DRC crisis. One wrong move could not only jeopardize relations with Congo but also risk losing crucial votes from Burundi, Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, and possibly even Rwanda.”
The MP further cautioned that the current geopolitical instability in the region could shift the balance of power among the nations involved in the AUC election. He pointed out that diplomatic relations and national interests, which are often influenced by regional security dynamics, could sway the votes of the countries backing Raila Odinga. Amisi stressed that Raila’s supporters must be vigilant in ensuring that the DRC conflict does not lead to a diplomatic rift that could undermine Raila’s position.
As the situation in the DRC continues to unfold, the African Union Commission chairperson election has become even more critical. With Raila Odinga vying for the position, the outcome now appears to hinge not only on traditional political allegiances but also on the delicate diplomatic relations in East Africa and beyond. Amisi’s remarks serve as a reminder of the complex interplay between local conflicts and international politics, and the unpredictable nature of global support during times of crisis.
