The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has declared its support for Mohamoud Ali Youssouf in his bid for the position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission.
Youssouf, who currently serves as the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Djibouti, has expressed his intention to contest for the position in February 2025, coinciding with the impending departure of Chad’s Moussa Faki, who is due to retire next year upon the conclusion of his term. READ FULL STORY
During a meeting in Yaoundé, Cameroon, OIC member states affirmed their readiness to endorse Mohamoud Ali Youssouf, citing his exemplary qualifications as the basis for their support.
Having held the position of Djibouti’s Foreign Minister since 2005, Youssouf is acknowledged for his considerable diplomatic expertise and adeptness in conflict resolution.
The OIC, comprising 27 African member nations, is positioning Youssouf against prominent contenders such as Raila Odinga from Kenya and Fawzia Yusuf from Somalia.
This endorsement heightens the rivalry for the AU leadership, underscoring the geopolitical intricacies within East Africa, as the AU heads of state have determined that the next chair will emerge from the East African region.
As earlier reported on EAFeed, several countries may be less inclined to support Raila’s candidacy in the upcoming AUC chairperson elections.
One significant bloc is the Francophone nations, which are likely to rally behind Djibouti’s candidate, Youssouf.
Countries such as Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Cameroon have historical ties to France and often align their foreign policies with French interests.
Given the influence that France wields in these nations, it is plausible that they will prioritize supporting a candidate who is perceived as more aligned with their political and diplomatic goals.
Additionally, Central African states may also show reluctance in backing Raila.
Countries like Chad, Gabon, and Burkina Faso have their own regional dynamics and political alliances that could influence their voting decisions.
In many cases, these nations have historically favored candidates who can offer them strategic partnerships or economic benefits.
Given that Djibouti has positioned itself as a diplomatic hub and has been actively involved in regional peacekeeping efforts, these Central African countries might see Youssouf as a more viable candidate to represent their interests on the continental stage.
