Djibouti’s African union chairperson candidate Mahmoud Ali Youssouf on Thursday, January 23 2025 paid a courtesy call to President Samia Suluhu of Tanzania.
The visit follows widespread speculation that he had withdrawn from the race against former Kenya Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
A confirmation from the State House in Tanzania has since confirmed Mahmoud’s itinerary in the country which puts an end to the speculations.
“Rais wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania Mhe. Dkt. Samia Suluhu Hassan amekutana na kuzungumza na Mjumbe Maalum wa Rais wa Djibouti Mhe. Ismail Omar Guelleh ambaye ni Waziri wa Mambo ya Nje wa nchi hiyo Mhe. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf mara baada ya kuwasili Ikulu Jijini Dar es Salaam tarehe 23 Januari, 2025,” the statement read.
On Wednesday, January 22 unconfirmed reports were spread that the foreign affairs minister had opted out of the continental race and was due to give an update on the move.
The move prompted a response from the country’s director of communication in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation Moussa Omar to refute the claims.
In his message, Omar confirmed that Mahmoud’s candidature was on course and gaining momentum.
“Mahmoud Ali Youssouf’s campaign is gaining momentum. With a vision for an integrated, peaceful, and prosperous Africa, we move forward with determination.”
“Victory is no longer a matter of possibility; it is within reach, fueled by the positive feedback we receive,” the ministry communication team said.
Meanwhile, Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga shifted his focus for the AUC seat to north Africa.
Raila was in Algiers, Algeria on Wednesday, January 22 to affirm his candidature.
According to President Ruto, Algeria aligned with Odinga’s candidature following a meeting with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune held on Friday, June 14, 2025.
Before his visit north, Raila was in Southern African states where he completed another diplomatic blitz across the SADC nations bloc
Over just five days, Raila met with six heads of state, solidifying his vision and agenda for the African continent.
He met President Emmerson Mnangagwa,(Zimbabwe), Nangolo Mumba (Namibia), Cyril Ramaphosa (South Africa), Sam Matekane (Lesotho Prime Minister) and newly elected Francisco Chapo of Mozambique
The AUC elections will take place in February 2025.
The winning candidate must secure a two-thirds majority during voting by the 55 member states.
Raila will need at least 36 votes out of the total 55, with each AU member state casting only one vote.
