NAIROBI, Kenya- Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf pulled off a stunning victory on Saturday, February 15, clinching the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship after an intense, multi-round vote.
The win, which left Kenya’s Raila Odinga empty-handed despite strong backing, marked a shift in continental politics.
In a gracious post-victory move, Youssouf reached out to Kenyan President William Ruto, who had backed Raila, thanking him for his congratulatory message.
I thank HE pdt William Ruto for congratulating me on my victory : he is the African champion for the Reforms : I am honored to work with him to advance our continental agenda : Asanti sana Mze
“I thank H.E. President William Ruto for congratulating me on my victory. He is the African champion for reforms,” Youssouf shared on X (formerly Twitter).
The new AU chief also signaled his willingness to work closely with Ruto, adding, “I am honored to work with him to advance our continental agenda. Asanti sana Mze.”
Raila’s High-Stakes Gamble Falls Short
Raila Odinga’s AU bid was nothing short of a high-stakes political chess game.
With endorsements from several African leaders—including Ruto, his former political rival—Odinga appeared to have a strong shot at victory.
But Youssouf’s strategic maneuvering, diplomatic fluency, and deep AU ties proved formidable.
Despite leading early, Raila lost ground in later rounds, eventually conceding after Youssouf secured the required 33 votes in the seventh round.
Showing rare political sportsmanship, Raila gracefully accepted defeat: “I therefore concede defeat and want us to use this as an example of strengthening democracy on our continent. I wish Mahmoud Ali Youssouf all the best in his undertaking,” he stated.
Why Youssouf Had the Edge
For many Kenyans, the loss came as a surprise. But political analysts point to Youssouf’s diplomatic finesse and linguistic advantage—fluent in French, Arabic, and English—as game-changers in the AU election.
In global diplomacy, multilingualism isn’t just a skill; it’s a power move.
Meanwhile, Ruto kept his cool, congratulating the new AU chair while appreciating those who backed Raila.
Speaking at the AU climate conference, he acknowledged both the outgoing and incoming leadership:
“I take this opportunity to congratulate Mahmoud Ali for his election as the new chairperson of the African Union and commend Moussa Faki, our outgoing chairperson.”
With the dust settling, Youssouf’s win reshapes AU leadership dynamics. As he steps into the role, all eyes are on how he will navigate continental challenges—and whether Raila will continue seeking a bigger role on the African stage.
