Djibouti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mahmoud Ali Youssef has exuded confidence in clinching the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson seat.
“My campaign for the chairperson of the commission is on the right track: we will keep on engaging African leaders, ministers and opinion leaders,” Youssef wrote in a post on X.
The Djibouti AUC candidate additionally expressed confidence that he would trounce his competitors Raila Odinga of Kenya and Madagascar’s Richard James Randriamandrato.
“Dear friends and supporters, keep on supporting me: rest assured that I will prevail God willing,” Youssef stated.
Youssef also outlined his agenda which he intends to implement if elected AUC chair.
“I clearly hear the plea of African youth across the continent: I am aware of your expectations and I will spare no effort once elected to be your flag bearer,” he wrote.
Adding that; “You have all seen the outcome of the debate of the 13th December: I am ready to shoulder the responsibility: let us have a dream for Africa and make it come true together.”
The Kenyan government has intensified its campaign for Raila Odinga ahead of the upcoming AUC elections in February 2025.
In a statement on Friday, January 10, 2025, moments after meeting Raila’s AUC secretariate, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said the team had mapped out the critical next steps, focusing on broadening the country’s outreach.
“I chaired a meeting to review the progress we are making in advancing Rt. Hon. @RailaOdinga‘s bid for the African Union Commission Chairperson position.
“Hon. Odinga’s Secretariat presented impressive progress since Kenya launched its candidature in August last year, outlining key milestones and a strategic roadmap for the final push ahead of the AUC elections in February 2025,” Mudavadi stated.
“I applauded the Secretariat and the State Department for Foreign Affairs for their collaborative efforts in building robust momentum toward securing Kenya’s leadership at the helm of the African Union Commission.
In January 2025 alone, President Ruto secured the endorsement of three countries for Raila’s AUC candidacy.
Ruto also attended the inauguration of Ghana’s new president John Dramani Mahama on January 7, 2025, after he endorsed Raila’s bid for the AUC Chairperson position.
Earlier, Ruto hosted President Mahama at his Kilgoris home, Narok County on Sunday, December 29, 2024, where they discussed Raila’s AUC candidature among other issues.
To be elected AUC Chairperson, a candidate must secure a two-thirds majority during voting by the 55 member states.
Raila will need at least 36 votes out of the total 55, with each AU member state casting only one vote.
