Somalia AUC chair candidate Fawzia Yussuf withdraws from race, endorses Raila

Raila Odinga's race for African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson received a significant boost on Friday after former Somalia Foreign Minister Fawzia Yussuf, who withdrew from the race, declared her support for him.

Fawzia made the announcement at a press briefing at Raila's office and on her official X account after discussions with the former Prime Minister at his Capitol Hill office in Nairobi.

"I am delighted to announce my support for Raila Odinga in his bid for Chair of the African Union Commission," she declared on her X platform.

The former Somali foreign minister expressed her best wishes for Raila's candidacy. She also extended her appreciation to all the governments and individuals who supported her during her campaign for the AUC seat.

Speaking to the press at Capitol Hill, she said her decision to step down and support Raila was informed by the close relationship between the two neighbouring countries, Kenya and Somalia.

"I will support Raila Odinga in the spirit of Pan-Africanism and in the interest of East African unity, and we also belong to two neighbouring countries that work together and share a lot," she stated.

I am delighted to announce my support for the Right Honourable Raila Odinga in his bid for Chair of the African Union Commission. I extend my heartfelt wishes for his success in this important endeavour. Additionally, I want to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to… pic.twitter.com/NLZcu6FiDt

— Fawzia Yusuf H. Adam (@FawziaYusufAdam) August 9, 2024

Raila, who recently intensified his campaign after the August 6 deadline for candidates vying for the eight senior positions, also praised the former foreign minister and deputy prime minister for declaring her support for his ambition.

"I am delighted to have my sister Fawzia, who decided to step down in our favour. She assured me of a working relationship that will bring the seat back home," he said.

Ahead of the August 6 deadline, Fawzia disclosed her decision to step down from the race, citing pressure from the Somali federal state in favour of Djibouti's candidate.

In an interview with a Somali TV station, she revealed that President Hassan Sheikh and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre were among the senior-ranking officials pushing her to drop out of the race.

Fawzia served as Somalia's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister from 2012 until 2013, before joining the Somali presidential race in the 2022 elections.

In early June, her campaign received support from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which has nearly 30 African member states. The OIC expressed support for her candidacy for the position of Chairperson for the 2025–2028 term.

Glad to have discussed key issues regarding our continent with @FawziaYusufAdam, former Somalia Foreign Affairs Minister. Grateful for her support in my bid for AUC Chair. Wishing her all the best as she continues to champion Africa’s progress. pic.twitter.com/Mj66M7D94A

— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) August 9, 2024

At the OIC meeting, Somalia's Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi led the Somali delegation, with discussions centring on the report and final declaration to be adopted.

Based on submissions made during the deadline, the race for the African Union Commission's top post has narrowed to a four-horse race between Djibouti's Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Raila, former Mauritius Foreign Minister Anil Gayan, and Madagascar's former Foreign Minister Richard J. Randriamandrato.

These four candidates, who met the AU's deadline on Tuesday, August 6, are vying to succeed Chadian Moussa Faki, whose two terms of eight years will end in February next year.