Just two days before the highly anticipated African Union Commission Chairperson elections, some reports have emerged indicating that Djibouti’s Foreign Minister, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has withdrawn from the race.
According to Youssouf, reports are making the rounds in Arab media outlets indicating he has stepped down from the race. Youssof is considered the biggest threat to Kenya’s candidate, Raila Odinga.
However, in a statement on X late Wednesday, Youssouf denied the media reports, insisting he was still in the race.
“Incorrect news about my withdrawal from the race to assume the position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission was reported in some Arab media outlets; I confirm here that I am still in the competition,” he said.
Presidents William Ruto(centre forward), Samia Suluhu(left), Yoweri Museveni and Salva Kiir of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan and other African leaders during a meeting at State House Nairobi on August 24, 2024.
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The reports emerged after a small meeting between Yousouf and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi in Addis Ababa. Mudavdi told Citizen TV he met and talked with Yousouf briefly and posed for a photo.
This is the second time Youssouf has been forced to clarify reports of his withdrawal. Three weeks ago, Youssouf was in a similar spot after reports on social media emerged indicating that he had withdrawn from the race in support of Raila.
But just like the reports that emerged today, this too was false. Youssouf denied the reports and asserted he is still in the race.
According to the global outlet AFP, the African Union did not receive a withdrawal letter from any of the candidates. while Youssouf confirmed he remains in the contest.
Youssouf, Raila, and Madagascar’s former Foreign Minister Richard Randriamandrato are the three candidates vying for the AU’s top seat.
With the elections slated for Saturday, February 15, Raila and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi made last-ditch moves to drum up support for Kenya.
Raila wrapped up his campaign with a meeting with Burudi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye, while Mudavadi, who was attending a meeting of African foreign affairs ministers in Addis Ababa, met with Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita in Addis.
Morocco is among the countries that played a role in Kenya losing out in 2017.
How AUC Elections Are Held
The AUC Chairperson election is conducted by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government through a secret ballot, requiring a two-thirds majority of eligible member states.
The election process begins with all candidates on the ballot, and voting continues until one secures the necessary majority. If no candidate achieves this after three rounds, the subsequent ballot is limited to the two candidates with the highest votes.
Should neither obtain the required majority after three additional ballots, the candidate with fewer votes withdraws. If the remaining candidate still fails to secure a two-thirds majority, the election is suspended, and the Deputy Chairperson assumes the role on an interim basis until new elections are held.
The Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson must hail from different regions, adhering to the AU’s principle of regional rotation.
Presidents Yoweri Kaguta Museveni(left)and William Ruto together with Raila Odinga at the Piny Luo Cultural Festival in Siaya County on January 1, 2025.
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