Djibouti Criticizes Kenya’s Reaction to AU Vote
Djibouti has strongly condemned President William Ruto’s remarks following the defeat of Kenya’s preferred candidate for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson position. This response came after Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf secured a majority of votes from African Heads of State, leading to his victory.
Moussa Mohamed Omar, a senior official at Djibouti’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, took to social media to emphasize that the election was a clear rejection of Kenya’s attempts to influence the African Union. According to Omar, the voting results reflected Africa’s decision to remain independent of Kenya’s domestic politics.
“In response to President Ruto on Citizen TV Kenya: claiming Africa ‘lost an opportunity’ is dishonest. 33 heads of state chose Mahmoud, the right choice for Africa’s challenges, refusing to let the AU be hostage to Kenyan domestic politics. Africa deserved better than Raila,” Omar stated.
Mahmoud himself later addressed Ruto’s reaction, expressing his willingness to work with the Kenyan president despite the differences in political preferences. He highlighted his commitment to advancing Africa’s interests in collaboration with Ruto.
Mahmoud Responds to Ruto’s Reaction
Shortly after his victory, Mahmoud acknowledged Ruto’s congratulations and stated his eagerness to collaborate on continental matters. He described Ruto as a champion of reforms and assured him of his dedication to working towards Africa’s progress.
“I thank HE pdt William Ruto for congratulating me on my victory: he is the African champion for the Reforms: I am honoured to work with him to advance our continental agenda: Asanti sana Mze,” Mahmoud shared in a social media post.
Ruto, however, voiced his disappointment over Raila Odinga’s loss, stating that Africa had missed the chance to be led by an exceptional leader. During a dinner in Addis Ababa on Saturday, hours after Raila conceded defeat, Ruto praised Raila’s leadership qualities and regretted that the continent had chosen otherwise.
Kenya Reacts to Raila’s Defeat
Ruto expressed that Raila had been the best candidate for the AU chairmanship, emphasizing his pride in the former prime minister’s performance. He noted that Raila’s dedication and experience would have greatly benefited Africa’s leadership.
“I regret that Africa missed the opportunity to be served by the finest. Baba made me very proud. He was the best candidate we could have put forward,” Ruto stated.
Despite the loss, Ruto reassured Raila of his admiration for his effort, emphasizing that he had exceeded expectations in his campaign for the AU role. His remarks were echoed by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who also praised Raila’s contributions to Kenya and Africa.
Gachagua highlighted that Raila remained a key figure in Kenya’s politics and that his influence would continue to shape the country’s future. He stated that Kenya still needed Raila’s leadership and that his loss at the AU did not diminish his impact.
Gachagua’s Tribute to Raila
“Africa needed you most, but God, in His own wisdom, found that Kenya, your motherland, and indeed, we Kenyans, your beloved brothers and sisters, have unfinished business with you as their coveted son as we unshackle our country from recklessness,” Gachagua noted.
He further reassured Raila that his leadership was still valued and encouraged him to remain steadfast in serving Kenya. According to Gachagua, the AU election outcome did not undermine Raila’s credibility or his ability to contribute to the nation’s progress.
“In any case, the outcome at the AU doesn’t, in any way, undermine your leadership and your energy to fix our Nation. Welcome back home, our son Raila Odinga, with your head held high; East or West, home is the best. Take heart, you did Kenya proud,” he added.
AU Election Outcome and Raila’s Performance
Raila had initially led in the early rounds of the vote, gaining momentum in the first two stages before facing challenges in the later rounds. As the process progressed, he lost support, eventually withdrawing after the sixth round.
With Raila’s exit, Mahmoud gained a decisive lead, securing 33 out of 49 votes, surpassing the required two-thirds majority. His victory was seen as a clear message from African leaders that they wanted a candidate free from external political influences.
Mahmoud’s triumph marked a significant moment for Djibouti, as the country celebrated its diplomatic success in securing the AUC leadership. The election also highlighted Africa’s evolving political landscape, where national interests and regional alliances played a crucial role in determining leadership positions.
