ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga has conceded defeat after losing the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship race to Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahamoud Ali Youssouf.
Speaking in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Saturday evening after the election, Odinga congratulated Youssouf and emphasized the importance of democracy in Africa.
“I accept the outcome of the votes. Therefore, I’m myself conceding defeat,” he said. “They say that we must strengthen democracy on the African continent, and I want us to use this as an example.”
Odinga, who had positioned himself as a frontrunner for the post, said he was prepared for either outcome and harbored no bitterness over the loss.
“I’m not bitter. I’m very happy, in fact, and I’m still available to offer any services to the continent in any other capacity,” he stated.
The veteran opposition leader noted that he had done his part by campaigning and engaging with African leaders for their support.
However, he acknowledged that the decision ultimately rested with the heads of state and government, who chose Youssouf in the decisive round of voting.
Youssouf secured the chairmanship after clinching the necessary 33 votes in the seventh round, running unopposed after Odinga withdrew in the sixth round.
Odinga extended his best wishes to his rival, saying, “I want to wish my competitor all the best. I want to wish him success in his undertaking.”
He also expressed gratitude to those who voted for him, as well as those who did not, recognizing their democratic right to make a choice.
“I want to thank all those members who voted for me. I also want to thank those who did not vote for me because, in doing so, they exercised their democratic rights,” he said.
With the AU contest now behind him, Odinga said he was ready to return home.
“My plan now is to go back home. There is so much to do,” he remarked.
Odinga’s defeat ends his bid to lead the continental body, a position that Youssouf will now take up as the new AUC chairperson.
