Nairobi — President William Ruto has emphasised that the election of the African Union Fee (AUC) Chairperson, which noticed Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf emerge victorious, was not about particular person candidates or nationwide pursuits however about shaping the continent’s future.
Youssouf secured the place after acquiring the required two-thirds majority with 33 votes within the seventh spherical of voting on Saturday.
His victory got here after Kenya’s Raila Odinga was eradicated within the sixth spherical, the place he garnered 22 votes towards Youssouf’s 26, with one abstention.
“This election was not about people or nations; it was about Africa’s future. That future stays vibrant, and collectively, we are going to proceed working for a united, affluent, and influential Africa on the worldwide stage,” Ruto mentioned.
In his first assertion following Kenya’s loss, Ruto congratulated Youssouf and warranted him of Kenya’s full help throughout his tenure.
“Whereas the result of this election didn’t favor Kenya’s candidate, I want to convey my deepest gratitude to your entire management of our nice continent. Thanks for contemplating the Proper Honourable Raila Odinga’s imaginative and prescient and priorities for the African Union and for giving him the chance to share his ardour for the continent’s transformation,” Ruto said.
He additionally prolonged his congratulations to Algeria’s Selma Haddadi, who was elected Deputy Chairperson, reaffirming Kenya’s dedication to working with the brand new AUC management.
“To Their Excellencies Mahmoud Youssouf and Selma Haddadi, the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Fee, I prolong my honest congratulations. You could have the belief of the AU Meeting, and Kenya pledges its full help as you steer the African Union Fee to the following degree,” he added.
Raila concedes
Following his elimination, Odinga conceded defeat and thanked his supporters, emphasizing the necessity to uphold democratic values in Africa.
“I had provided myself as a candidate. Over the previous few months, I’ve traveled throughout the continent, participating with totally different leaders and canvassing for his or her votes. In the present day, they’ve expressed their will,” Odinga mentioned.
“As it’s, we didn’t succeed. We should strengthen democracy on the African continent, and I’m due to this fact conceding defeat. I would like us to make use of this for instance of methods to reinforce democratic values throughout Africa.”
Odinga congratulated Youssouf and wished him success in his new position.
“I wish to want my competitor, Ali Youssouf, all the very best and success in his new position. I additionally wish to thank all of the member states who voted for me–and those that did not–because, in doing so, they exercised their democratic rights. That is how democracy ought to work,” he added.
The result marks Kenya’s second unsuccessful try to safe the AUC chairmanship, following Amina Mohamed’s loss to Chad’s Moussa Faki in 2017.
