Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union (AU) Chairperson position has encountered a significant setback as Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, gains momentum in the race.
Youssouf recently secured the backing of 27 African countries, a development that could tilt the scales in his favor ahead of the crucial elections.
Youssouf’s endorsement came during the 50th Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
The OIC, comprising 57 member states, unanimously supported Youssouf’s candidacy for the AU Chairperson role, with the 27 African nations within the organization lending their full support.
This wave of endorsements puts Youssouf in a strong position against Raila Odinga, who has been tirelessly campaigning across East and Central Africa to garner support.
Youssouf’s diplomatic career has earned him considerable credibility, and his fluency in both French and Arabic further bolsters his appeal, particularly among Francophone nations.
This linguistic and diplomatic prowess has allowed Youssouf to build strategic alliances across the continent, complicating Raila’s efforts to secure the 66 percent of votes needed to win the AU Chairperson position.
The upcoming election, scheduled for February 2025, will take place during the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
To win, a candidate must secure the support of at least 32 member states. As the race intensifies, Youssouf’s growing support base could be a decisive factor in determining the outcome.
Other candidates in the race include Mauritius’ Anil Gayan and Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato.
