ADDIS ABABA – In a riveting turn of events, Djibouti’s Foreign Minister, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, emerged victorious in the race for the prestigious African Union Commission Chairperson position, besting Kenya’s erstwhile Prime Minister, Raila Odinga. The conclusion came only after a rigorous seven rounds of voting by the continent’s Heads of State and Governments, marking the end of a campaign that was as intense as it was unpredictable.
As the electoral process got underway, Raila Odinga seemed the indomitable frontrunner. With a career steeped in politics and a network sprawling across the globe, many speculated that his path to victory was an assured one. And indeed, in the initial two rounds, it appeared that Raila held the key, leading with significant numbers. But politics, much like life, is full of unexpected turns.
Amidst the frenzy, the contest took a sudden pivot. It was akin to watching a masterful chess game, where Youssouf strategically bided his time, revealing a deftness for diplomacy. After Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato opted out, the dynamics shifted. Youssouf’s ascent was not so much a leap as it was a steady climb. In the third round, he garnered 23 votes to Raila’s 20. Was it perhaps Youssouf’s quieter, understated campaign strategy that bewitched the electorate?
By the sixth round, the momentum swung decisively in Youssouf’s favor. Raila’s tally stood at 22, but Youssouf advanced with 26 votes, nudging Raila out of contention. Finally, the seventh round sealed the fate foreseen by none but those with a keen eye—Youssouf reached the elusive 33-vote threshold, ending Raila’s dreams of steering the African Union.
“The secret of politics? Make a good treaty with Russia.” This quip from Otto von Bismarck resonates as one reflects on Youssouf’s backstage diplomacy. Perhaps it is a testament to the unseen forces that govern political contests.
For Raila Odinga, this loss is another chapter in a saga marked by formidable resilience yet recurrent heartbreak. Back in the homeland, Kenya, he has faced similar tribulations, stumbling in presidential bids five times, oftentimes alleging foul play. The 2022 national elections ended with a reconciliation—an olive branch extended to President William Ruto, who zealously led Raila’s campaign efforts for the AU position. Ultimately, a Kenyan delegation arrived in Addis Ababa, showcasing their unwavering support.
The tale of Youssouf’s rise also marks an interesting continuation. He takes over from Moussa Faki, a diplomat whose stature looms large having served diligently for eight years. Back in 2017, it was Faki who defeated Kenya’s Amina Mohamed, in what was another chartreuse spectacle of political drama set against the storied backdrop of Addis Ababa.
The contours of Youssouf’s victory reflect more than numbers. They speak to the intricate geopolitics within Africa, a continent bound by history, yet starkly diverse. Was the South African bloc swayed by Djibouti’s bid, preferring them over Kenya, a country known for its close alignment with the United States? The scales may have tipped, perhaps due to the cultural and linguistic affinities prevalent among francophone and Arab League nations—a subtle corroboration of shared identities.
As the dust settles, what remains is a testament to diplomatic prowess, the unpredictability of political contests, and the delicate dance of alliances across the grand African stage. Mahamoud Ali Youssouf’s triumph is both a personal victory and a poignant moment for Djibouti under the African sun.
Report By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring
