New AUC chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf sent a message to President William Ruto thanking him just hours after flooring Raila Odinga in a hotly contested race on Saturday, February 15.
The Djibouti’s Foreign Minister emerged victorious at the expense of Raila Odinga after several rounds of intense voting and was sworn in on the same day.
In the wake of his win and subsequent swearing-in, Youssouf shared a message to President William Ruto, thanking him for passing congratulatory messages despite the Head of State backing Raila for the win.
“I thank H.E. President William Ruto for congratulating me on my victory. He is the African champion for reforms,” Youssouf said on X, formerly Twitter.
A photo collage of African Union Commission Chairperson candidates Raila Odinga of Kenya (centre), Mahmoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti (left), and Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar (right) on February 15, 2025.
Photo
Mwanawanjuguna
The new AUC chair further vowed to work with Ruto to advance Africa’s agenda, saying: “I am honored to work with him to advance our continental agenda: Asanti sana Mze (Sic). (Thank you, leader),”
The defeat was a major blow to Odinga who enjoyed support from a contingent of continental leaders, including his former political nemesis Ruto.
In a rare show of statesmanship, Raila did not fight the loss, instead expressing that he was happy for his Djibouti counterpart. “I therefore concede defeat and want us to use this as an example of strengthening democracy on our continent. I wish Mahamoud Ali Youssouf all the best and success in his undertaking,” Mr Odinga said.
Ruto also took the high road, thanking all those who voted for Raila but at the same time congratulating Youssouf.
“I take this opportunity to congratulate Mahmoud Ali for his election as the new chairperson of the Africa Union and allow me to commend Moussa Faki, our outgoing chairperson.”Ruto said on Sunday during the Committee of the African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change conference.
Unbeknownst to Kenyans, Youssouf was a formidable contender, and Raila was always going to have a difficult time overwhelming the well-spoken diplomat.
One of the key factors that is believed to have helped the minister is the fact that he is fluent in French, Arabic, and English – languages that are used in international diplomacy, organizations, and forums.
Despite taking an early lead, the odds swung against Raila in the subsequent five competitive rounds. Youssouf ultimately secured victory after garnering the required 33 votes in the 7th round.
President William Ruto chairing the Committee of the African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change at the African Union Headquarters, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Sunday, February 16, 2025.
PCS