Ruto assures support for new AU leadership after Raila's election defeat
President William Ruto acknowledged the loss but stressed that the election was about Africa's collective future rather than individual nations.
Kenya has pledged to support the newly elected leadership of the African Union Commission (AUC) after its candidate, Raila Odinga, lost the race for the chairperson's seat to Djibouti's Mahamoud Ali Youssouf.
Odinga, who led in the initial rounds, was eliminated in the sixth round after failing to secure the required votes.
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In the final round, Youssouf won with 33 votes, surpassing the two-thirds threshold needed to clinch the seat.
Following the results, President William Ruto acknowledged the loss but stressed that the election was about Africa's collective future rather than individual nations.
"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.
Raila Odinga concedes defeat in the AUC chairperson race
— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) February 15, 2025
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
Raila, speaking to the media in Addis Ababa, conceded defeat and urged African nations to use the election as a lesson in strengthening democracy.
"I had offered myself as a candidate. Over the last few months, I have run around the continent talking to different leaders and canvassing for their vote, and today they have expressed themselves. As it stands now, we did not succeed," he said.
"We say that we must strengthen democracy in the African continent, and I'm therefore conceding defeat. I want us to use this as an example of strengthening democracy in our continent."
The former Prime Minister also extended his best wishes to the new AUC chairperson.
"I want to wish my competitor Ali Youssouf all the best and success in his undertaking and also want to thank all those who voted for me and those who didn't because of exercising their democracy," Raila said.
The election, held in Addis Ababa, saw Raila win the first two rounds but lose momentum in subsequent votes.
In the final three rounds, Youssouf maintained a lead, ultimately securing the position that had been held by Chad's Moussa Faki for the past eight years.
With the election now concluded, Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to working with the new leadership.
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