NAIROBI, Kenya – The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has announced its intention to back Mohamoud Ali Youssouf for the African Union Commission Chairperson’s seat, six months before polls are held in Addis Ababa.
Youssouf, the minister for Foreign Affairs in Djibouti, has announced his intention to run for the seat in February 2025, ahead of the exit of Chad’s Moussa Faki. Mr. Faki is set for retirement next year after the expiry of his term.
At Cameroon’s capital Yaounde, IOC countries said they are ready to hack Mohamoud Ali Youssouf, noting that his credentials are above the board, thus the decision to throw their support behind him.
Youssouf, Djibouti’s Foreign Minister since 2005, is recognized for his extensive diplomatic experience and conflict-resolution skills. The OIC, which includes 27 African member states, is positioning Youssouf against notable candidates like Kenya’s Raila Odinga and Somalia’s Fawzia Yusuf.
This endorsement intensifies the competition for the AU leadership role, highlighting the geopolitical dynamics within East Africa, they said. The AU head of state resolved that the next chair will come from the East Africa region.
However, Youssouf will get stiff competition from Kenya’s Raila Odinga, who at one point served as a Prime Minister and Minister for Energy and Roads. Mr. Odinga has been backed by all East African Community countries.
Last week, Raila Odinga was backed by Yoweri Museveni, Samia Suluhu, Salva Kiir, Paul Kagame, and the Burundi leader. The East African Community maintained that Raila Odinga has the requisite experience and knowledge to lead the organization.
Mr. Odinga was backed by Kenya’s President William Ruto, who was his political nemesis. Youssouf is pushing for the seat, banking on the Islamic states and the francophone countries, dynamics which could tilt the competition.
—Source: Garowe Online
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