Djibouti fires back at Ruto after Kenya's AUC defeat: "Africa deserved better than Raila"

Kenya's bruising defeat in the African Union Commission (AUC) elections has not ended quietly.

Speaking at a dinner event on Saturday night, just hours after Kenya's Raila Odinga conceded defeat to Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Ruto expressed regret over two key aspects of the election’s outcome—Africa losing the chance to be led by a distinguished leader and Raila, whom he described as the best candidate, falling short.

“I regret that Africa missed the opportunity to be served by the finest,” Ruto said.

“Baba made me very proud. He was the best candidate we could have put forward.”

However, in a swift diplomatic rebuttal, Djibouti has taken issue with President William Ruto's remarks following the loss of his preferred candidate, Raila Odinga.

The pushback came just hours after Djibouti's Mahmoud Ali Youssouf clinched the AUC chairmanship, securing a two-thirds majority in a high-stakes, seven-round duel that ultimately left him as the sole contender.

Djibouti's Director of Communications at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Moussa Mohamed Omar, wasted no time setting the record straight.

Responding to Ruto's claim that Africa had "lost an opportunity," Moussa dismissed the assertion as a dishonest political spin, framing Youssouf's victory as a decisive rejection of Kenya's domestic entanglements.

"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," Moussa posted on X.

Despite the defeat, Ruto commended Raila’s dedication throughout the campaign, noting that he engaged all key stakeholders and spared no effort in his bid for the position.

“I’m very proud of Raila. He did his best, and regardless of the outcome, he made us proud,” Ruto added.

“Whenever he was needed, he showed up. Tinga exceeded all expectations.”

Mahmoud's diplomatic response

Unlike his spokesperson's sharper tone, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf struck a more measured and reconciliatory note.

Acknowledging Ruto's congratulations, the new AUC chair took to his socials, extending an olive branch—while subtly reinforcing his legitimacy.

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"I thank HE pdt [sic] William Ruto for congratulating me on my victory. He is the African champion for reforms. I am honoured to work with him to advance our continental agenda. Asanti sana Mzee," Mahmoud posted.

I thank HE pdt William Ruto for congratulating me on my victory : he is the African champion for the Reforms : I am honored to work with him to advance our continental agenda : Asanti sana Mze pic.twitter.com/sP7rSnqoXh

— Mahmoud Ali youssouf (@ymahmoudali) February 16, 2025

Raila initially led the race, securing victory in the first two rounds of voting before losing momentum. In the first round, he garnered 20 votes, while Mahmoud received 18 and Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato got 10. One country abstained.

In the second round, Raila increased his tally to 22, Mahmoud obtained 19, and Randriamandrato received 7 votes, with one abstention.

However, the third round saw Mahmoud take the lead with 23 votes, while Raila dropped to 20. Randriamandrato was eliminated after securing only 5 votes. This set the stage for a direct contest between Raila and Mahmoud.

Mahmoud widened the gap in the fourth round, securing 25 votes against Raila’s 21. One vote was spoilt, and one nation abstained.

The fifth round saw Mahmoud maintain his lead with 26 votes, while Raila got 21, with one abstention. In the sixth round, Mahmoud still had 26 votes, Raila gained 22, and one country abstained.

With Raila eliminated after the sixth round, Mahmoud advanced alone into the seventh round, where he secured the required two-thirds majority with 33 votes.

Raila Odinga concedes defeat in the AUC chairperson race

Raila Odinga: We did not succeed. I concede defeat and I want to use this as an example of strengthening democracy in our continent. I wish my competitor Mahmoud Youssouf all the best. I want to thank all those countries… pic.twitter.com/JgZCQSEphL

— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) February 15, 2025

Mahmoud now takes over from Chad’s Moussa Faki, who has served as the AUC chairperson for the past eight years.

He has pledged to serve the continent with dignity and accountability as he assumes office.

Mahmoud acknowledged the weight of the responsibility entrusted to him, vowing to be a leader who upholds transparency and remains answerable to the expectations of African nations.

“Responsibility is not just an honour, but rather a duty for which a person will be held accountable. I ask God to help me perform its duties,” he said, attributing his victory to divine will and seeking strength to fulfil his mandate.

He also expressed gratitude to African heads of state for placing their trust in him, promising to work towards advancing the continent’s agenda.

“This is a very heavy responsibility, and I’m aware of its importance. I’m committed to working to advance the continental agenda. Thank you all for your continued support,” he said.

The sharp exchange highlights the diplomatic tensions following the election, where Kenya had aggressively lobbied for Odinga’s victory. Despite the overwhelming vote in favour of Djibouti’s candidate, Ruto maintained that Odinga’s campaign had united Kenya and left a mark on the continent.

“We will walk with our heads held high as we go back home to continue the journey of consolidating our country, our progress, and making sure that we drive into the future—united and together,” he said.

A stinging French rebuttal

Meanwhile, Djibouti's President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh delivered his own post-election message—this time in French.

In a speech to the nation, he highlighted that Djibouti's campaign had been modest, principled, and free of "condescension or ostentation," pointedly adding that they had avoided personal attacks and underhanded tactics.

A clear dig at Kenya's high-profile, media-driven campaign, which leaned heavily on social media optics and private jet diplomacy, bankrolled by Kenyan taxpayers.

The mention of "underhanded tactics" was particularly loaded, given the pre-election rumours that Raila's camp had attempted to buy off Djibouti's candidate.

In the weeks leading up to the vote, anonymous accounts were created to discredit Mahmoud—a last-ditch effort that failed spectacularly when he sailed past the two-thirds threshold with 33 votes in the final round, leaving Raila eliminated for lack of momentum.