Djibouti's Foreign Minister refutes claims of stepping down in African Union Commission race

Djibouti's foreign minister, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, is still in the race to win the African Union Commission (AUC), chairmanship contrary to claims that he is stepping out in favour of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

The claim was made by a viral social media post that claimed the Djiboutian minister would issue a press statement in which he would announce his support for his sole contender, Odinga.

Sources, however, told The Eastleigh Voice that the claims are fake news.

"This is fake news! Mahmoud is very much committed to staying the course and serving the African continent," the source said.

At the same time, Mahmoud is scheduled to travel to Tanzania tomorrow and later to Senegal, where he shall be seeking support for his bid.

On his part, Odinga embarked on campaigns targeting the Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries last week, where he sought support for his bid.

Next month, the two candidates will compete, with the expectation that the victor will receive a two-thirds majority vote.

The winning candidate shall replace Chad's Moussa Faki Mahamat, who has held the position since 2017.

The chairperson of the commission holds a four-year term, renewable only once.

The winning candidate shall serve as the Chief Executive Officer, legal representative of the AU, and the AU Chairperson's Chief

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