Following his defeat by Mohamoud Youssouf of Djibouti in the campaign for chair of the African Union Commission (AUC), former prime minister Raila Odinga has spoken out.
Shortly after the voting process was over, Odinga addressed the African Union and admitted defeat after his quest to win the top continental seat was unsuccessful.
Odinga thanked Mohamoud and said he did not feel too sorry for the loss, while also thanking everyone for their support.
“As a result, I accept defeat and urge that we use this as a model to fortify democracy throughout our continent.” Raila said, “I hope Mahamoud Ali Youssouf’s endeavor is successful and that he has the best of luck.”
“I also want to express my gratitude to everyone who used their democratic right to vote for me, including those who did not. I’m really happy, and I’m not bitter,” he continued.
Odinga claims that his new strategy is to go back home. He insisted, however, that he is still available to serve the continent in any other way.
Shortly after, President William Ruto, who was with the former prime minister, also reacted to Odinga’s defeat, calling the poll a referendum on the destiny of the continent.
Like Raila, Ruto thanked all of the African presidents who took part in the election process, especially Mohamoud Youssouf, who was just elected chairperson of the AUC.
“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,” Ruto said.
“Thank you for considering the Right Honourable Raila Odinga’s vision and priorities for the African Union and for allowing him to share his passion for the continent’s transformation.”
Odinga won the first two rounds of voting but lost the final three rounds to Youssouf, losing to the Djibouti contender on Saturday night.
After receiving 33 votes in the sixth round, the last voting round, Mahamoud declared victory and will now take the place of Moussa Faki of Chad, who has served in that capacity for the past eight years.
