Raila Leaves His Role as African Union Envoy for Infrastructure Development

Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga has left his role as the African Union (AU) High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa.

In a letter dated February 19th, Chairperson of the AU Commission Moussa Faki thanked Odinga for his service, adding that 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,” Faki noted.

“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.”

Faki noted that Odinga, who was appointed to the position in October 2018, will still remain a valuable person to the Union.

Odinga’s appointment was part of the African Union’s drive to expedite the integration of the continent through infrastructure, in order to promote economic growth and sustainable development.

In a letter on Thursday, Odinga said he asked to be relieved of his duties due to challenges to his “continued unavailability”.

“In that regard, I welcome your quick action that will free me to pursue other pressing and urgent matters,” he said.

He added: “It has been a great pleasure and honor serving our continent and our people and addressing Infrastructure development. I am proud to have made a contribution to the transformation of the NEPAD Agency to African Union Development Agency-NEPAD, among other contributions during my tenure.”