On February 15, 2025, Raila Odinga’s bid for the Chairperson position of the African Union Commission (AUC) concluded unsuccessfully after a protracted election process in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Djibouti’s Foreign Minister, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, emerged victorious, securing 33 votes in the seventh round of voting. theeastafrican.co.ke
The election unfolded over seven rounds, with Odinga initially leading in the first two rounds. However, Youssouf gained momentum in subsequent rounds, ultimately surpassing Odinga. In the sixth round, Youssouf received 26 votes, while Odinga garnered 22 votes. Under the African Union’s election rules, a candidate must obtain a two-thirds majority to win. Since neither candidate achieved this majority, Odinga withdrew from the race, leaving Youssouf to secure the necessary votes in the final round. kenyans.co.ke
Several factors contributed to Odinga’s defeat:
- Political Alliances: Odinga’s recent political alliance with Kenyan President William Ruto was perceived by some as a deviation from his longstanding advocacy for good governance. This shift may have affected his support base both domestically and across the continent. apnews.com
- Regional Dynamics: The African Union’s rotational leadership system often favors candidates from regions that have not recently held the chairperson position. Djibouti, representing the Horn of Africa, may have benefited from this regional consideration.
- Campaign Strategies: Youssouf’s extensive diplomatic experience and established relationships within the African Union likely bolstered his candidacy. His tenure as Djibouti’s Foreign Minister since 2005 provided him with a robust network of support among member states.
Following the election, Odinga graciously conceded, congratulating Youssouf and expressing his commitment to supporting the new leadership. He emphasized the importance of fair electoral processes in strengthening democracy across Africa. citizen.digital
Youssouf’s election marks a significant moment for Djibouti and the African Union, as he prepares to assume the role of Chairperson, succeeding Moussa Faki of Chad. His leadership will be pivotal in addressing pressing challenges facing the continent, including political instability in West Africa and ongoing conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Metropolitan 