Djibouti has clapped back at President William Ruto following remarks he made after Raila Odinga lost the African Union Commission race.
Ambassador Moussa Mohamed Omar, Djibouti’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Director of Communication.on Sunday told off Ruto for saying Africa lost an opportunity for failing to elect Raila for the AUC post.
“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,” Ambassador Omar said on X.
President Ruto had in his reaction to the loss said he regretted that Africa missed an opportunity to be served by one of the finest leaders on our continent.
“I am disappointed that Raila Amolo Odinga did not win the AUC Chair elections because he was the best candidate. Raila Odinga was the best candidate that we could put forward. He was available. Whenever I booked an appointment, he was there. Whenever he had to travel, he was there. Whether early morning or late evening, he was present and he was there all the way,” Ruto said.
This was seen as an attack on the qualifications and capacity of immediate former Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, who on Saturday won the closely contested African Union Commission Chairperson election, defeating Raila and secured the two-thirds majority in seventh round.
President Ruto, had, however, congratulated Youssouf on his win.
“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 Africa Union Commission to the next level.
“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,” Ruto said.
AUC chairman Youssouf acknowledged the President’s congratulatory message on X saying, “I thank HE pdt [President] William Ruto for congratulating me on my victory : he is the African champion for the Reforms : I am honored to work with him to advance our continental agenda : Asanti sana Mzee”
President Ruto had been accused of exporting Kenya’s domestic politics to the continental body by pushing Raila to win in the race and leave the country’s political space.
African leaders and diplomats read dishonesty in the backing of Raila, who in 2022 ran against Ruto in the election and led anti-government protests after the polls in which he contested in court.
