Djibouti's Foreign Minister denies AUC Chair race rumours, meets Tanzanian President to secure support
This visit comes amid rumours circulating that Youssouf had dropped out of the race in favour of Kenya's candidate, Raila Odinga.
Djibouti's Foreign Minister and African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson candidate Mahamoud Ali Youssouf on Thursday met Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan in Dar es Salaam as part of his campaign to secure support for his candidacy.
This visit comes amid rumours circulating that Mahamoud had dropped out of the race in favour of Kenya's candidate, Raila Odinga.
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Mahamoud visited the Swahili-speaking nation despite its leader, President Suluhu, having already publicly endorsed Odinga for the AUC top seat.
"I had the honour and privilege to be received this morning by HE Samia Suluhu Hassan, the President of the United Republic of Tanzania," Mahamoud said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
His meeting with President Suluhu follows widespread claims on social media that he had withdrawn from the race to allow Raila Odinga a clear path to the chairmanship.
The rumours, which quickly gained traction, alleged that Mahamoud was set to issue a press statement endorsing Odinga's candidacy.
However, Mahamoud has strongly refuted the claims, reiterating his commitment to the race.
"Rest assured, dear friends and supporters, I am still in the race and doing well so far," Mahamoud posted on social media.
He dismissed the rumours as baseless attempts by his opponents to mislead his supporters.
"Don't bother yourself with fake news, it is a trivial attempt by my adversaries to distract my supporters and mislead them," he added.
The AUC race, which is set to conclude next month, will see three candidates, including Youssouf and Odinga, compete for the position.
The winner must secure a two-thirds majority vote to replace Chad's Moussa Faki Mahamat, who has served as chairperson since 2017.
The AUC chairperson serves a renewable four-year term, acting as the Chief Executive Officer, legal representative of the AU, and principal advisor to the AU Chairperson.
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