“AU Refused to Be Held Hostage by Kenyan Politics,” Djibouti Hits Back at Ruto Over Raila’s Loss

Diplomatic tensions have flared between Kenya and Djibouti following President William Ruto’s comments on the outcome of the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson election, which saw Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf emerge victorious over Kenya’s Raila Odinga.

The election, held during the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, concluded with Youssouf securing 33 out of 49 votes in the sixth round, surpassing the required two-thirds majority. Raila, who had initially led in the first two rounds, lost momentum in subsequent voting rounds and eventually withdrew from the race.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Ambassador Moussa Mohamed Omar, a communications expert at Djibouti’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, criticized President Ruto’s remarks, accusing him of dishonesty and suggesting that African leaders had rejected Kenya’s attempt to influence the AU with its domestic politics.

“In response to President Ruto on Citizen TV Kenya: claiming Africa ‘lost an opportunity’ is dishonest. 33 heads of state chose Mahmoud, the right choice for Africa’s challenges, refusing to let the AU be hostage to Kenyan domestic politics. Africa deserved better than Raila,” Omar wrote.

President Ruto had expressed disappointment over Raila’s loss during a dinner in Addis Ababa, stating that Africa had missed an opportunity to be led by an outstanding leader. “I regret that Africa missed the opportunity to be served by the finest. Baba made me very proud. He was the best candidate we could have put forward,” Ruto said.

He further praised Raila’s efforts, describing him as a leader who had exceeded expectations. “I’m very proud of Raila. He did his best, and regardless of the outcome, he made us proud. Whenever he was needed, he showed up. Tinga exceeded all expectations,” Ruto added.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also weighed in, offering words of encouragement to Raila. “Africa needed you most, but God, in His own wisdom, found that Kenya, your motherland, and indeed, we Kenyans, your beloved brothers and sisters, have unfinished business with you as their coveted son as we unshackle our country from recklessness,” Gachagua said.

Despite the loss, Youssouf extended an olive branch to Kenya, thanking President Ruto for congratulating him on his victory. In a post on social media, Youssouf expressed his readiness to collaborate with Ruto on continental reforms.

“I thank HE pdt [sic] William Ruto for congratulating me on my victory: he is the African champion for the Reforms: I am honoured to work with him to advance our continental agenda: Asanti sana Mze,” Youssouf posted.

The election outcome has sparked debate across the continent, with some analysts suggesting that Raila’s loss reflects the complexities of continental politics and the challenges of rallying support from diverse regions. Others have pointed to the intense lobbying and diplomatic maneuvers that often characterize such high-stakes elections.

As Kenya reflects on the outcome, the focus now shifts to how the country will navigate its relationship with Djibouti and other African nations in the wake of the diplomatic spat. Meanwhile, Raila’s supporters have hailed him for his resilience and commitment to continental leadership, even as he returns to local politics.

For now, the dust is yet to settle on what has been one of the most closely watched AU elections in recent years, with the continent’s leaders signaling their preference for a new direction under Youssouf’s leadership.