Kenya’s President William Ruto has pledged his country’s full support to the newly elected African Union Commission leadership, following his candidate Raila Odinga’s defeat in the race for the chairperson position.
President Ruto acknowledged the election outcome, which did not go in favour of his choice, but congratulated the continent’s leadership for the opportunity given to Odinga, who lost to Djibouti’s Youssouf.
“While the outcome of this election did not favour Kenya’s candidate, I wish to convey my deepest gratitude to the entire leadership of our great continent,” Ruto said in an X post.
“Thank you for considering the Right Honourable Raila Odinga’s vision and priorities for the African Union and for according him the opportunity to share his passion for the continent’s transformation.”
At an election held at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Djiboutian diplomat Mahmoud Ali Youssouf secured victory after six rounds of voting, eventually garnering 33 votes to defeat Kenya’s Raila Odinga.
He will be deputised by Algerian diplomat Selma Malika Haddadi, who has been appointed as the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission.
In a gesture of continental unity, President Ruto congratulated the incoming leadership, assuring them of Kenya’s “full support”.
“To their Excellencies Mahmoud Youssouf and Selma Haddadi, the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, I extend my sincere congratulations. You have the trust of the AU Assembly, and Kenya pledges her full support to you as you steer the African Union Commission to the next level.”
Youssouf’s election success was attributed to strong support from Islamic and Francophone African states, with his command of French, Arabic and English viewed as vital in securing backing across the continent’s regions.
The election, which went through multiple rounds of voting, highlighted the complex regional dynamics within the 55-member bloc, as the East African Community (EAC) threw their weight behind Mr Odinga, who had been serving as the AU’s High Representative for Infrastructure Development
But the Kenyan leader emphasised the election’s broader significance, which he says is about “Africa’s future”.
“This election was not about individuals or nations, it was about Africa’s future. That future remains bright and, together, we will continue working for a united, prosperous, and influential Africa on the global stage.”
Mr Odinga, who had led the first two rounds, lost his advantage in the third round when Mr Youssouf secured 23 votes to his 20, while Madagascar’s Randriamandrato was eliminated with just five votes. Mr Youssouf then consolidated his position in the fourth round with 25 votes to Mr Odinga’s 21.
The fifth round saw Mr Youssouf gain 26 votes against Mr Odinga’s 22, leading to the Kenyan’s elimination. In the final round, Mr Youssouf clinched the chairmanship with 33 votes.
The incoming chairperson will succeed Chad’s Moussa Faki Mahamat, tasked with steering the AU’s development agenda whilst addressing regional conflicts and economic integration challenges.
