Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga faces a major challenge in his quest for the position of African Union (AU) Chairperson, as Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, gains substantial momentum.
Youssouf recently garnered the support of 27 African nations, a critical boost that could significantly influence the outcome of the upcoming elections.
This support was secured during the 50th Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held in Yaoundé, Cameroon. The OIC, which includes 57 member states, unanimously endorsed Youssouf’s candidacy for the AU Chairperson role, with the 27 African countries within the organization backing him wholeheartedly.
This surge of endorsements places Youssouf in a formidable position against Raila Odinga, who has been actively campaigning throughout East and Central Africa to build his support base.
Youssouf’s extensive diplomatic experience and proficiency in both French and Arabic enhance his appeal, particularly among Francophone nations. His linguistic skills and diplomatic acumen have enabled him to forge important alliances across the continent, complicating Odinga’s efforts to secure the necessary 66 percent of votes needed to win the AU Chairperson position.
The election is set for February 2025 during the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. To secure victory, a candidate must obtain the backing of at least 32 member states. As the competition heats up, Youssouf’s expanding network of support could prove pivotal.
Other contenders in the race include Anil Gayan from Mauritius and Richard Randriamandrato from Madagascar.
