‘I am not bitter, I’m very happy indeed’ – Raila speaks after AUC election loss
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has maintained a positive outlook following his unsuccessful bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson position, dismissing any notions of disappointment.
Raila was widely seen as a frontrunner in the race to replace outgoing AUC Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat but lost to Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf after six rounds of voting.
Speaking in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on February 15, 2025, after the election concluded, Raila expressed his acceptance of the outcome, reaffirming his availability to serve the continent in other capacities.
“When you go to a contest, there can only be two outcomes—you can win or you can lose. So this is one of them,” Raila said.
“Therefore, I am not bitter; I am very happy indeed. I am still available to offer services to the continent in any other capacity,” he added.
Regarding his future plans, Raila hinted at a return to Kenyan politics.
“My plan now is to go back home. I have numerous things to do there,” he said.
Ruto’s statement
President William Ruto, who actively lobbied for Raila’s candidacy, acknowledged the outcome, stating that Kenya would continue to play an active role in African affairs.
In a statement shared on his X account on February 15, 2025, after the election results were announced, Ruto emphasized the importance of continental unity over individual ambitions.
“This election was not about individuals or nations; it was about Africa’s future. That future remains bright, and together, we will continue working for a united, prosperous, and influential Africa on the global stage.”
He expressed gratitude to African leaders for considering Raila’s vision for the continental body.
“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. Thank you for considering the Right Honourable Raila Odinga’s vision and priorities for the African Union and for giving him the opportunity to share his passion for the continent’s transformation,” Ruto stated.
The President congratulated the newly elected AUC leadership team, Mahmoud Youssouf as Chairperson and Selma Haddadi as Deputy Chairperson, pledging Kenya’s full support for the incoming administration.
Voting breakdown
In the first round of voting, Raila led with 20 votes, closely followed by Mahmoud Ali Youssouf with 18 votes. Madagascar’s candidate received 10 votes, while one member state abstained.
The second round saw Raila gain 22 votes, with Youssouf receiving 19 votes and Madagascar’s support dwindling to 7 votes.
By the third round, Youssouf took the lead for the first time, securing 23 votes against Raila’s 20, while Madagascar’s candidate fell to just five votes and was subsequently eliminated.
This narrowed the competition down to a two-horse race between Djibouti and Kenya.
In the fourth round, Youssouf extended his lead with 25 votes to Raila’s 21, with two abstentions and two spoiled ballots.
The gap widened further in the fifth round, with Youssouf earning 26 votes compared to Raila’s 22, while one state abstained.
In the final round, Youssouf clinched victory by securing the majority needed for the AUC chairmanship, marking a significant diplomatic achievement for Djibouti.
