‘I am still in the competition’ – Djibouti’s candidate rejects fresh AUC withdrawal claims
Djibouti’s candidate for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson position, Mahmoud Youssouf, has once again refuted claims of his withdrawal from the race, marking the second time this year he has had to address such reports.
In a statement posted on his X account on February 12, 2025, Mahmoud dismissed reports making rounds in Arab media outlets claiming he has stepped down from the race.
“Incorrect news about my withdrawal from the race to assume the position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission was reported in some Arab media outlets: I confirm here that I am still in the competition,” Mahmoud said.
This latest clarification follows a similar incident in January 2025, when Youssouf had to address social media reports claiming he had stepped down to support Kenya’s candidate, Raila Odinga.
Taking to his X account on January 23, 2025, Mahmoud assured his supporters of doing well in his campaign trail.
“Rest assured dear friends and supporters, I am still in the race and doing well so far,” Mahmoud said.
AUC elections
Mahmoud’s statement comes as the AUC chairperson election enters its final phase.
The African Union on January 27, 2025, revealed that the race to succeed current AUC Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat will be decided in a two-phase election process.
In the first phase, scheduled for February 12-13, 2025, the AU Executive Council, which consists of foreign ministers from member states, will elect and appoint commissioners to oversee various portfolios within the AU Commission.
The second phase will involve voting on candidates for top leadership positions, including the AUC chairperson and deputy chairpersons.
The crucial vote for the chairperson position is set to take place during this second phase on February 15-16, 2025, when the Assembly of Heads of State and Government convenes.
“The Assembly of Heads of State and Government elects and appoints the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson during their session on February 15-16, 2025,” the AUC announced.
Raila’s campaign
With the election date looming, Mahmoud’s main challenger, former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga, announced on February 12, 2025, the conclusion of his diplomatic tour after meeting with Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye in Bujumbura.
“I will be heading to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for the final stretch, and I thank you all for your unwavering support and prayers throughout the journey of my candidacy for the African Union Commission Chairmanship,” he said in a statement posted on his Facebook account.
Odinga’s campaign has secured endorsements from more than 28 African heads of state across the continent.
These include leaders from Kenya, South Africa, Namibia, Ghana, Togo, Gambia, Senegal, Guinea Bissau, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Equatorial Guinea, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Malawi.
Additionally, leaders from Comoros, Tanzania, Uganda, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Seychelles, Mauritius, Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, South Sudan, and Eritrea have also expressed their support.
Aside from Raila, Mahmoud is competing against Anil Kumarsingh Gayan from Mauritius and Richard Randriamandrato from Madagascar.
