Mahamoud Youssouf: Raila Odinga’s Main Rival for the AUC Chair

As the race for the chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) heats up, one of Raila Odinga’s key competitors is Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf. With a strong background in diplomacy and international relations, Youssouf presents a formidable challenge to Odinga’s bid for the position. The election for the AUC chairperson is scheduled for February next year, and the contest promises to be intense.

Educational and Professional Background

Mahamoud Youssouf, born on September 2, 1965, in Djibouti City, brings a wealth of experience and a diverse educational background to the table. His academic journey spans studies in linguistics, business, and management across France, the UK, and Canada. This extensive education underpins his proficiency in several languages, including English, French, and Arabic—skills he deems crucial for bridging the gap between Africa’s diverse regions and resolving conflicts on the continent.

Youssouf’s career in diplomacy began in 1992 when he was appointed head of Arab affairs at Djibouti’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In 1997, he furthered his diplomatic career by serving as an ambassador to Egypt. Upon returning to Djibouti in 2001, he took on the role of minister-delegate for international cooperation before being appointed as the country’s Foreign Minister in May 2005, a position he still holds.

Campaign Platform and Vision

Youssouf’s campaign for the AUC chairperson is marked by a clear agenda focusing on reforming the commission. He aims to overhaul the AUC’s personnel and funding structures and redefine the division of tasks between regional economic communities. His vision extends to advancing continental trade agreements, such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Common Market for Air Transport.

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One of Youssouf’s primary goals is to strengthen the AUC’s international relationships, particularly with the European Union (EU) and China. He believes that enhancing these ties will elevate the AU’s role on the global stage. Additionally, Youssouf is committed to amplifying the voices of youth and women within the AU, reflecting a broader agenda of inclusivity and representation.

Political Support and Voting Dynamics

Youssouf’s candidacy is bolstered by substantial support from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The OIC’s endorsement, reportedly formalized during a recent session in Cameroon, provides Youssouf with a strategic advantage. The OIC comprises numerous African member states, potentially swaying the voting outcome in his favor. The OIC’s backing highlights Youssouf’s regional and international appeal, positioning him as a strong contender against Raila Odinga.

The election process at the AUC requires that the winning candidate secure at least two-thirds of the votes from the member states, equivalent to 36 votes out of the 55 AU member countries. This voting pattern underscores the importance of regional alliances and linguistic affiliations in the election. Africa’s linguistic landscape—comprising 21 Francophone countries and 24 Anglophone nations—adds another layer of complexity to the voting dynamics.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite his significant experience and support, Youssouf faces several challenges in his bid for the AUC chairperson. The withdrawal of Somalia’s Fawzia Yusuf Adam from the race, who initially supported Raila Odinga, could shift some votes. However, Youssouf’s extensive diplomatic network and multilingual capabilities could be pivotal in swaying undecided voters.

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The upcoming election promises to be a closely contested battle, with both Youssouf and Odinga leveraging their unique strengths and strategic support to secure the AUC chairperson role. As the February election approaches, the candidates will need to navigate a complex landscape of political endorsements, regional interests, and linguistic considerations to emerge victorious.