Amani Africa, an independent pan-African policy research organization, has called out Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa for sharing a fake opinion poll regarding the race for the next chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC).
In a statement on Friday, December 13, Amani Africa disclosed that the poll shared by Barasa, which had a logo of the organization, was not conducted by the organization.
The firm stated that using its logo to spread misinformation was illegal and demanded the immediate withdrawal of its unauthorized use.
"This is utterly irresponsible. The use of an organization that never undertook a poll is disinformation, misinformation and maliciously criminal. Amani Africa totally rejects this act and demands the immediate withdrawal of the use of its logo.
"We reject the misuse of our logo. We inform all that Amani Africa did not carry out any poll. It's logo is misused for propagating misinformation," Amani Africa remarked.
Read More
📢📢📢We reject the misuse of our logo. We inform all that Amani Africa did not carry out any poll. It's logo is misused for propagating misinformation. https://t.co/E08AsO0BvJ
— Amani Africa (@africa_amani) December 13, 2024
In the poll, which has now been disowned by Amani Africa, Kenya's candidate Raila Odinga purportedly led in race, followed by Djobouti's Mahamoud Ali Youssouf.
This comes as three candidates vying to succeed outgoing AUC Chairperson Moussa Faki prepare to face off in a debate scheduled for Friday evening, December 13, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The three candidates are Raila, Youssouf and Madagascar's Richard Randriamandrato.
The televised debate will kick off at 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. ahead of the AUC elections scheduled for February 2025.
