Raila Odinga has responded to the African Union Commission Chairperson's letter, which signalled the end of his 5-year term as the African Union's High Representative for Infrastructure Development.


He issued the statement on Wednesday, which shed some light on the reports going around across the media claiming that his contract was terminated.

In his letter, Raila disclosed he had a meeting with Faki on the sidelines of the second Dakar African Infrastructure Financing Summit in Senegal where he highlighted his challenges to his availability in his role.

Raila also said he welcomed the quick decision to free him from the role in order to focus on other engagements.

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“During our meeting on the sidelines of the 2nd Dakar African Infrastructure Financing Summit in Dakar, Senegal about three weeks ago. I indicated the challenges to my continued availability for the role of AU High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa,” Raila’s letter read.

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

Raila expressed his gratitude at the opportunity he was accorded to serve in that capacity and pride in being part of the transformation.

“It has been a great pleasure and honour serving our Continent and our people and addressing Infrastructure development, which we agree is the greatest contributor to our unending struggle to lift ourselves out of poverty and under-development,” Raila said.

“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.”

However, Raila noted that there are still many challenges impeding the continent's growth, which he hoped would be overcome.


“Many challenges remain, including the inaction by the Continent’s leadership and vested interests outside the Continent that are only too keen to keep Africa in its present condition. Hopefully, the continent will overcome these,” he said.

He also told Faki he will indicate his next availability for deployment on continental assignment as circumstances change.