AUC Chairmanship: Djibouti's Youssouf lobbies Morocco support amid high-stakes race

Djibouti's Foreign Minister and African Union Commission (AUC) chair candidate, Mahamoud Youssouf, visited Rabat on Tuesday to lobby for Morocco's support in the upcoming February elections.

Youssouf, who delivered a special message from Djiboutian President Ismail Guelleh, met Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita to strengthen ties and seek backing for his candidacy.

In a statement following their meeting, Youssouf emphasised the strong ties between Djibouti and Morocco, describing their relationship as rooted in "mutual respect and pan-Arab and Islamic brotherhood."

He added that under "wise leadership," their nations continue to prioritise "good governance and development for the well-being and prosperity of their peoples."

Djibouti, which recognises Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara, is banking on its relations with Rabat to secure critical votes at the AU.

The country aims to succeed Chadian Moussa Faki Mahamat, whose term as AUC chair ends in February 2025.

Morocco is seen as a key player in the high-stakes race, given its considerable influence within the AU.

Since rejoining the African Union in 2017 after a decades-long absence, Rabat has strategically leveraged its position to advance its diplomatic objectives, particularly regarding recognition of its sovereignty over Western Sahara.

Morocco initially left the AU's predecessor, the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), in 1984, protesting the body's recognition of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR).

While Morocco's return to the AU has been diplomatically successful, the SADR's continued presence and equal voting rights within the AU remain contentious.

During the meeting, Youssouf highlighted the importance of Morocco's role in shaping the continent's diplomatic landscape.

"The two countries enjoy wise leadership under the guidance of their leaders, who enshrine efforts to establish the foundations of good governance and development," he said.

Reports suggest that Raila Odinga, Kenya's candidate for the AUC chair, may also visit Rabat to lobby for Moroccan support.

Morocco's strategic approach to securing votes is well-documented, with the North African kingdom employing diverse tactics to influence key elections.

Morocco's influence was highlighted in Kenya's 2017 AUC bid when Amina Mohamed lost the chairmanship.

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• AUC Chairmanship: Djibouti's Youssouf lobbies Morocco support amid high-stakes race
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Analysts suggest Morocco played a role in her defeat after she refused to meet Moroccan officials and instead aligned with Algeria and the Sahrawians.