Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga will wield immense power in the continent should his bid for the African Union – AU Chairperson sail through.
As detailed in the AU mandate, the chairperson has 12 statutory roles and gets a monthly salary of Ksh2.4 million (US15,576.75) among other hefty perks.
Notably, should the ODM boss clinch the seat, he will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer, Legal Representative, and Accounting Officer of the Union.
Roles of the AU Chairperson
The main responsibility of the holder of the lucrative post is to be the administrator and enforcer of the AU. He will also be tasked with preparing the budget of the Union which runs to billions of shillings.
On the diplomatic front, the Chairperson is mandated to champion AU’s objectives and interests in the global arena. Therefore, the holder of the office is required to attend various continental engagements including summits such as the US-Africa summit and Italy-Africa summit among others.
Additionally, the Union’s CEO also chairs and determines the agenda of the African Union Commission (AUC). As CEO, he will also determine the Commission’s size and structure, including key appointments to be made to various posts.
Should Raila get elected, he will also receive all AU treaties and legal instruments.
“The Chairperson is mandated to facilitate the functioning, decision-making, and reporting of all AU organ meetings, and ensure conformity and harmony with agreed AU policies, strategies, programs, and projects.
“Other mandates include consulting and coordinating with Member States’ governments, other institutions and the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) on the AU’s activities, and carry out the AU’s diplomatic representations,” read the AU mandate in part.
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However, as the chairperson, he will be answerable to the Heads of State and will be required to prepare reports required to help the leaders make decisions for the Union and the continent.
Africa Union Chairperson Salary and Allowances
Besides the Ksh2.4 million monthly salary, the AU Chairperson is also entitled to a monthly rental budget of USD6,000 (Ksh933,000), including rent and payment of utilities such as electricity.
On the other hand, should Raila get elected, his wife, Ida, will also get monthly facilitation.
“Retention of the Spouse Allowance of 5 percent of Basic Salary, on the condition that eligible spouse is not receiving remuneration exceeding USD500 (Ksh77,750) per month,” read the remuneration guidelines in part.
Notably, the AU also pays 100 percent fees for the Chairperson’s dependent children studying in Africa or any other part of the world other than Europe and North America.
AU Chairperson Elections
Raila has already declared his bid for the position and received endorsement from Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo on Thursday.
To successfully vie, Raila will have to push for his candidature to be backed by President William Ruto, who in turn will lobby his colleagues across the continent to support him.
Raila is seeking to replace Moussa Faki Mahamat and will serve for four years should he get elected.
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