Odinga’s defeat has elicited combined reactions in Kenya. Whereas a few of his supporters expressed disappointment, others seen it as a chance for Odinga to refocus on his political ambitions, notably a possible bid for the Kenyan presidency in 2027.
Djibouti’s overseas minister Mohamoud Ali Youssouf claimed Raila Odinga’s scalp to run away with the coveted African Union Fee chairperson job following a fiercely contested election on the thirty eighth African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Saturday.
The election marked the end result of a aggressive race that noticed Kenya’s Odinga exit after garnering solely 22 votes within the sixth spherical of voting.
The summit additionally witnessed a management transition on the AU, with Angola’s President João Lourenço elected as the brand new AU Chairperson, succeeding Mauritania’s Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani.
The competition for the Chairperson of the AU Fee featured three outstanding candidates: Raila Odinga of Kenya, Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar, and Mohamoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti.
Randriamandrato was eradicated within the third spherical of voting, leaving Odinga and Youssouf to face off. Youssouf finally secured the place after Odinga’s withdrawal within the sixth spherical.
Odinga’s defeat has elicited combined reactions in Kenya. Whereas a few of his supporters expressed disappointment, others seen it as a chance for Odinga to refocus on his political ambitions, notably a possible bid for the Kenyan presidency in 2027.
Mohamoud Youssouf succeeds Chad’s Moussa Faki Mahamat, who has held the place since 2017.
Youssouf’s election comes at a crucial time for the African Union, which is grappling with urgent challenges, together with ongoing conflicts within the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan, in addition to widespread financial difficulties exacerbated by america’ withdrawal of monetary assist to a number of African nations.
Worldwide consideration was drawn to the summit, with key figures corresponding to United Nations Secretary-Normal António Guterres in attendance. Guterres known as for renewed efforts to resolve conflicts throughout Africa, urging AU member states to strengthen collaboration on peacebuilding initiatives.
As the brand new AU Fee Chairperson, Youssouf faces the daunting process of addressing crucial points on the continent, together with enhancing safety, fostering financial progress, and implementing reforms to bolster Africa’s affect on the worldwide stage.
