Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi has landed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, ahead of the 49th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Executive Council.

The meeting, set for July 28-29, will gather Foreign Ministers from across Africa to deliberate on critical issues including peace and security, regional integration, sustainable development, and the continent's relations with the global community.

In a statement shared on his official X account, Mudavadi emphasized Kenya's dedication to fostering African unity and promoting solutions driven by the continent. He noted, "Africa’s future is shaped by the decisions we make together. Every engagement at the African Union is an opportunity to strengthen the continent’s collective voice, deepen regional cooperation and unlock new opportunities for our people."

Kenya's Diplomatic Priorities in Addis Ababa

Beyond participating in the AU Executive Council meeting, Mudavadi aims to advance Kenya’s diplomatic interests, particularly in securing support for two Kenyan nominees for prominent international judicial positions.

  • Judge Phoebe Okowa – Kenya’s candidate for the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for the 2027–2036 term. She is a respected expert in public international law, currently serving as an ICJ judge and a professor at Queen Mary University of London.
  • Justice Njoki Ndung’u – Kenya’s nominee for the International Criminal Court (ICC). A Supreme Court judge, she played a significant role in Kenya’s constitutional reforms and legal framework development.

Kenya is rallying support from AU member states to bolster the chances of both candidates securing their respective seats, highlighting their qualifications and experience as assets for Africa’s representation in global justice.

Engagements and Regional Cooperation

During his stay, Mudavadi is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with various African Foreign Ministers and officials to strengthen diplomatic relations, enhance trade and investment, and promote regional peace and security.

He will also participate in the Ministerial Committee on African Candidatures within the International System, representing Eastern Africa alongside Uganda. The committee works to coordinate African backing for candidates vying for international positions.

Kenya continues to advocate for increased African representation in global decision-making platforms, underscoring the importance of the continent’s voice in shaping international policies.

The outcomes of the AU Executive Council meeting are expected to influence future continental strategies, including AU reforms and collaboration with regional economic communities, with direct implications for trade, investment, and stability across Africa.