We've learnt from our mistakes in Kigali
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, and International Cooperation, Pelonomi Venson – Moitoi is confident she will win the second round elections for the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) next year January.
Addressing a press conference this week, the confident Moitoi said they have learnt a lot from her unsuccessful ambition to succeed the incumbent, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.
She said they are going to member states of Southern African Development Community (SADC) and ministers to launch her second bid. She also revealed that she has already talked to ministers to support her in the race. “President Ian Khama has written to his colleagues to support me. I am confident that if I am endorsed I will win because we have learnt a lot from the recent results in Kigali,” explained the Minister.
On what plans is she going to make to bring countries from Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) who abstained from voting last month, the Minister indicated that they are going to visit them to solicit their backing. “Even during the elections they promised to vote for us but they changed at the last minute,” said the Minister. Even though there are rumours that the current Chairperson, Dlamini-Zuma is sabotaging Moitoi, she said prior to the elections she had a meeting with her and that Dlamini-Zuma promised to support her. “She has indicated to me that she wants a woman to replace her,” said Moitoi.
SADC member states and ministers are meeting this month in Mbabane, Swaziland where Moitoi is expected to lobby them for support. President Ian Khama is also to hand over the Chairmanship of SADC to King Mswati III during the summit.
There are allegations that former President of Tanzania, Jakaya Kikwete is considering to enter the race. In response, Moitoi said she would not be surprised if there is another candidate in SADC. “The President has given me the go ahead and we are working on the budget,” explained Moitoi refuting claims that the Americans are sponsoring her campaign.