February 17, 2025
Mahamoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti, recorded unusual upset as he was elected Chairperson of the AU Commission after five rounds of voting, defeating Odinga Odinga of Kenya in the 4th round.
Youssouf took over from Moussa Faki Mahamat of Chad, who spent four years of two terms. AU tenure is two years.
Youssouf’s emergence stunned Odinga, who is the favourite candidate to win the election before the shocking polls results.
Observers are of the opinion that, Odinga , who spent three minutes out of the five giving to him failed himself while reviewing the history of Pan-Africanism and African solidarity, without issuing his vision for All. He didn’t speak about his vision when the electronic timer stopped him.
On the other hand, Youssouf won the hearts of delegates with his more convincing presentation of his vision.
Odinga, however, started well a leading position during the first round, but lost out even when the third candidate from Madagascar give up.
By ISAAC DANIEL
