Congratulations pour in after Mahmoud Youssouf's AUC Chair win
Kenyan President William Ruto whose candidate Raila Odinga contested in the AUC Chair race was also quick to acknowledge the results.
Djibouti’s Foreign minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf was on Friday elected the next Africa Union Commission (AUC) chairperson, after garnering the required 33 votes.
Mahmoud beat his two other competitors, Kenya's former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Madagascar Foreign Minister Richard James Randriamandrato after a sixth round of voting before he finally secured the two-thirds majority needed.
More To Read
- Raila for Prime Minister! UDA leaders push for constitutional changes after AUC loss
- Djibouti fires back at Ruto after Kenya's AUC defeat: "Africa deserved better than Raila"
- Welcome back home; Kenyans have unfinished business with you, Gachagua tells Raila after AUC defeat
- Ruto assures support for new AU leadership after Raila's election defeat
Minutes after the final round of voting, continental leaders congratulated Mahmoud for his victory in the tightly contested race.
Kenyan President William Ruto whose candidate Raila Odinga contested in the AUC Chair race also was quick to acknowledge the results.
"While the outcome of this election did not favour Kenya's candidate, I wish to convey my deepest gratitude to the entire leadership of our great continent," he said.
Ruto extended a congratulatory message to Mahmoud Youssouf and Selma Haddadi, the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, pledging Kenya's support in their leadership.
"I extend my sincere congratulations. You have the trust of the AU Assembly, and Kenya pledges her full support to you, " he added.
"This election was not about individuals or nations, it was about Africa’s future. That future remains bright and, together, we will continue working for a united, prosperous, and influential Africa on the global stage."
While the outcome of this election did not favour Kenya’s candidate, I wish to convey my deepest gratitude to the entire leadership of our great continent. Thank you for considering the Right Honourable @RailaOdinga’s vision and priorities for the African Union and for according…
— State House Kenya (@StateHouseKenya) February 15, 2025
Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud was also among the first leaders to congratulate the new AUC Chair.
"Congratulations to @ymahmoudali on his election as Chairperson of the AU Commission and thanks to Moussa Faki for his exemplary leadership," Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud wrote on X.
"We recognise Raila Odinga for his dedication to regional cooperation. Somalia stands with the AU for a united and prosperous Africa."
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said he was very pleased with the outcomes of the summit following the election of the AU's new leadership. "This is a very good outcome for us as Africa," he said.
"On behalf of the Government and the people of the United Republic of Tanzania, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, on being elected as the Chairperson of the African Union Commission. I look forward to working with you in our collective pursuit for a more prosperous, united and peaceful Africa," Samia Suluhu posted on X.
On behalf of the Government and the people of the United Republic of Tanzania, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, on being elected as the Chairperson of the African Union Commission. I look forward to working with you in our collective… pic.twitter.com/BHreNVhlnu
— Samia Suluhu (@SuluhuSamia) February 15, 2025
The Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), H.E. Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu said the election comes at a defining moment for the continent as a Member State candidate assumes leadership of the AU Commission, guiding Africa’s collective development agenda forward.
“Mahmoud Ali Youssouf’s election is a resounding affirmation of the trust and confidence placed in him by African Heads of State and Government. His leadership comes at a crucial time for our continent, as we work together to advance ‘The Africa We Want.’ I look forward to collaborating closely with Mahamoud Ali Youssouf to strengthen regional stability and accelerate Africa’s integration agenda,” stated Dr. Workneh.
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley who spoke at the AU Summit also congratulated the new AUC Chair.
"We look forward to collaborating to build the Africa-Caribbean Bridge and to staging a successful AU-CARICOM Summit in September," she said.
Top Stories Today
