Did Djibouti Candidate Mahmoud Ali Youssouf Take Africa Union Leadership Debate 2024?

Although he would look fatigued and a little fazed at the tail end of the debate, Raila was rational, factual and thoroughly conversant with his medium of communication, English.

These are very key points to winning a debate. A great debater does not rely on facts and figures alone but symbiosis of facts and figures with the style of presentation. In this regard the Kenyan candidate did very well.

Unfortunately there was an equally good player on stage. Since the purpose of a debate is to outwit the opponent, it was evident the Djibouti Candidate Mahmoud Ali Youssouf was just as packaged and as conversant as Raila. His style of presentation was lit with an evident flow that not only incorporated fact but exuded confidence and charisma. By making his presentation in fluent English, French and Arabic he was dancing circles around his opponents and proving he is the man best suited for the job.

While Raila Odinga dwelt on his obvious knowledge of the method internal mechanisms of the African Union function, his Djibouti counterpart ignited viewers imagination with the bold new approaches he will take to reinvigorate the implementation of the key reforms recommended by African Heads of State and Governments.

“I will not compel the Heads of State to adopt this radical plan of action, but I’ll sure recommend that they do adopt it,” said Youssef unapologetically.

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Youssef, on one hand, appeared to have a workable blueprint to revamp sections of the African Union that were moribund such as the Pan-African Parliament and court.

Raila on the other hand was equipped with a flawless knowledge of the continent. His impressive rendition of the African roadwork network was amazing. Certainly Raila was a darling to watch.

Each of the candidates made a commendable presentation of themselves.

It, however, turned out to be a two-horse affair with Youssef and Raila dominating the show while Richard Randriamandrato from Madagascar trailed behind. The similarity of answers at times provided by Raila and Youssouf was proof enough that the two were neck-and-neck in much of the debate.

Immediately the debate ended the candidates shook hands and you could tell from the body language that Baba felt buoyant as if he had won the debate. That is typical of Kenyan politicians; acting and making believe.

The truth is that Mahmoud Ali Youssouf possesses a quality all the other candidates appear not to have – humility. This first round has gone to Youssouf and it will be interesting to see what changes Raila will make to his campaign before voting takes place in February 2025

Meanwhile the youth opposed to President Ruto’s admininistration have waged a campaign on social media to disparage the former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga. Lately his being chummy with President Dr William Samoei Ruto has been construed among certain quarters as betrayal.

Even Orange Democratic Movement Communication guru Philip Etale in a tweet after the debate was careful on his choice of words.

Yes, Raila Amollo Odinga has performed so well in this Mjadala Africa debate; so well that if there was no Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, he would be the obvious winner.