Ruto pens heartfelt message after Raila’s AUC defeat
President William Ruto has issued a statement following Raila Odinga’s unsuccessful bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairpersonship.
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.
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.
Kenya’s full support
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.
“To their Excellencies Mahmoud Youssouf and Selma Haddadi, the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the Africa Union Commission, I extend my sincere congratulations. You have the trust of the AU Assembly, and Kenya pledges her full support to you as you steer the African Union Commission to the next level,” he wrote.
Emphasizing the broader significance of the election beyond national interests, Ruto concluded his statement with a message of continental solidarity.
“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.”
Voting breakdown
The election took place during the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where Djibouti’s Mahmoud Youssouf emerged victorious, succeeding outgoing chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat.
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, Youssouf 19 votes, and Madagascar’s support dwindle 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.
