I am not bitter, says Raila after defeat in AUC race
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has formally conceded defeat in his bid for African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship, moments after losing to Djibouti's Foreign Affairs Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.
Mr Youssouf beat Mr Odinga by garnering the required 33 votes after Mr Odinga dropped out after the sixth round.
In the sixth round, Mr Odinga had 22 votes, while Mr Youssouf had 26. Mr Odinga was running against Mr Youssouf, and Madagascar’s former Foreign Minister Richard James Randriamandrato.
“I, therefore, want to wish my competitor Mahamoud Ali Youssouf all the best. I wish him success in his undertaking.
I thank those who voted for me and those who did not because they exercised their democratic rights,” Mr Odinga said.
He made the concession while flanked by several Kenyan officials who had accompanied him to Addis Ababa.
“I myself conceded defeat. I want us to use this as an example of strengthening democracy on our continent,” he said.
Mr Odinga used the moment to reflect on the months-long campaign that saw him travel across Africa to lobby for votes among Heads of State.
“I offered myself as a candidate, and over the last few months, I've run around the continent talking to leadership, canvassing for their votes. Today, they have expressed themselves. And as it is now, we did not succeed,” he said, adding that he wouldn't mind offering his services to the continent any other time whenever called upon.
Addressing the broader challenges facing Africa, Mr Odinga touched on the ongoing crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
“The DRC issue remains a contentious issue. The kind of suffering we’re seeing is completely unacceptable. They’re killing innocent people, children, women, and so on. It must be stopped,” he said, highlighting the need for urgent intervention.
When asked about his next steps, Mr Odinga remained optimistic, stating, “When you go to a contest, there can only be two outcomes. You can win, or you can lose. So this is one of them. I’m not bitter. I’m very happy, in fact. And I’m still available to offer services to the continent in any other capacity.
Similarly, while acknowledging Kenya’s loss at the AUC, President William Ruto said: “While the outcome of this election did not favour Kenya’s candidate, I wish to convey my deepest gratitude to the entire leadership of our great continent. Thank you for considering Mr Raila Odinga’s vision and priorities for the African Union and for according him the opportunity to share his passion for the continent’s transformation.”
President Ruto also congratulated the newly elected AUC chair, Mr Youssouf and his deputy Selma Haddadi.
Djibouti Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.
“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,” Dr Ruto posted on his official X.
“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.”