Joy ShikwatiDjibouti has responded to Kenyan President William Ruto’s remarks following the defeat of his preferred candidate, Raila Odinga, in the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson race. The comments came after Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf emerged victorious, securing the majority of votes from African Heads of State. Djibouti’s response underscores the African Union’s commitment to independence from national political influences.
Djibouti’s Firm Stance on AU Independence
Ambassador Moussa Mohamed Omar, a communication expert at Djibouti’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, took to X (formerly Twitter) to address President Ruto’s remarks. Omar emphasized that the election outcome reflected the African Union’s refusal to be swayed by Kenya’s domestic politics.
In his post, Omar stated, “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.”
This statement highlights Djibouti’s belief that the AU’s decision was based on continental priorities rather than national allegiances, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to impartial leadership.
Mahmoud Ali Youssouf’s Victory and Message to Ruto
Following his victory, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf expressed gratitude to President Ruto for his congratulatory message. In a post on his social media accounts, Youssouf acknowledged Ruto’s role as a champion for African reforms and expressed his eagerness to collaborate on advancing the continent’s agenda.
“I thank HE 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,” Youssouf wrote.
This gesture of goodwill signals a willingness to foster cooperation between Djibouti and Kenya, despite the underlying tensions surrounding the election.
Political Implications and Regional Dynamics
The AUC chairperson election has sparked discussions about the influence of national politics on continental leadership decisions. Djibouti’s assertion that the AU remained independent of Kenyan political interests sheds light on the complex dynamics of regional diplomacy within the African Union.
The outcome also raises questions about the role of national allegiances in shaping continental leadership. By electing Youssouf, African Heads of State demonstrated a preference for leadership driven by continental priorities rather than individual national agendas.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for the African Union
Djibouti’s strong stance underscores its commitment to preserving the African Union’s independence from domestic political influences. As Mahmoud Ali Youssouf assumes his new role, his ability to collaborate with President Ruto and other African leaders will be closely watched.
This development marks a significant moment in African Union politics, signaling a shift toward leadership that prioritizes continental unity and progress over national interests. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of impartiality and collaboration in addressing Africa’s challenges
