Just two days before the highly anticipated African Union Commission Chairperson elections, some reports have emerged indicating that Djibouti's Foreign Minister, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has withdrawn from the race. According to Youssouf, reports are making the rounds in Arab media outlets indicating he has stepped down from the race.
Youssof is considered the biggest threat to Kenya's candidate, Raila Odinga.
However, in a statement on X late Wednesday, Youssouf denied the media reports, insisting he was still in the race. "Incorrect news about my withdrawal from the race to assume the position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission was reported in some Arab media outlets; I confirm here that I am still in the competition," he said. Presidents William Ruto(centre forward), Samia Suluhu(left), Yoweri Museveni and Salva Kiir of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan and other African leaders during a meeting at State House Nairobi on August 24, 2024.
Photo PCS The reports emerged after a small meeting between Yousouf and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi in Addis Ababa.
