Opposition leader Raila Odinga’s prospects of clinching the AU chairperson post face a new challenge with the emergence of a third candidate.
Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Youssouf’s announced his entry into the AU chairperson race And this is a threat to Raila Odinga’s initial frontrunner status.
With more than two decades of experience as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Youssouf is deemed well-suited for the position.
“Youssouf is a man of experience and seasoned diplomat, knowing the mysteries of the Continental Organization to serve and breathe new life into the Pan-African Organization,” a statement from the office of the President of Djibouti declared.
Raila’s bid also faces stiff competition from a third contender- Somali’s former deputy prime minister and current federal parliament member Fawzia Yusuf Adam.
The decision to have Eastern Africa produce the next chairperson was ratified by the AU Executive Council last month. This move positions Raila Odinga to represent the region, but the new contenders intensify the race.
“This is a breakthrough for the Eastern Africa region to present candidates for the position of chairperson of the AUC,” noted Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
Former chairpersons include Amara Essy from Cote D’Ivoire (2002 – 2003), Oumar Konare from Mali (2003 – 2008), Nkosazana Dlamini from South Africa (2012 – 2017), and Faki (2017 – 2025).
By Vivian K.