Raila Odinga suffers a setback with Egypt endorsing Djibouti’s candidate for the AUC chairmanship just days after President Ruto sought support for him. Djibouti’s candidate promotes his linguistic skills as a competitive edge. Raila still has notable backing from several African leaders, necessary for his campaign ahead of the mid-February elections.
In a major setback for Raila Odinga, the Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has endorsed the Djiboutian candidate, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, for the top seat at the African Union Commission (AUC). This endorsement came shortly after President William Ruto of Kenya visited Egypt to seek support for Raila’s bid. The endorsement not only diminishes Raila’s campaign momentum but also suggests Djibouti’s candidate is perceived favorably in the region.
The upcoming AUC elections are scheduled for mid-February, with Raila and Youssouf in a fierce contest to secure votes. Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Ministry has mocked Raila’s qualifications by emphasizing Youssouf’s multilingual capabilities, which allows for direct communication with African leaders, unlike others in the race.
During his visit on January 29, President Ruto aimed to solidify Egypt’s backing for Raila by emphasizing his qualifications to lead the African Union effectively. Ruto articulated Kenya’s support for Raila, seeking Egypt’s influence to secure a favorable outcome in this crucial election.
Despite this development, Raila still enjoys significant support from various African nations. Key figures within the Kenya Kwanza coalition predict a strong campaign outcome, underlining Raila’s extensive engagement with almost 40 eligible nations, which is essential for a successful candidacy.
Backing for Raila has been confirmed from several East African countries, including Uganda and Tanzania, alongside notable endorsements from Southern and West African nations. If he can gather at least 32 votes out of 49, Raila has a tangible chance to clinch the AUC chairmanship, vital for his political future.
The African Union Commission oversees political affairs across member states, making the role of chairperson strategically critical. Raila Odinga, a seasoned politician, is running for this influential position amid a competitive field. The upcoming elections, slated for February, are crucial for shaping African leadership and policy direction. Egypt’s endorsement of a competing candidate poses significant challenges to Raila’s ambitions given its potential influence in regional politics.
Raila Odinga faces a substantial challenge in his bid for the AUC chairmanship following Egypt’s endorsement of Djibouti’s candidate. With critical elections approaching, he needs to consolidate support within Africa to overcome this setback. The landscape remains dynamic as various nations continue to weigh their options while the regional political dynamics unfold.
Original Source: www.tuko.co.ke
