Djibouti Official Criticizes Ruto Over Raila’s AUC Loss Remarks

 

A senior Djiboutian official has taken a swipe at President William Ruto over his remarks following Raila Odinga’s unsuccessful bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson position.

 

Moussa Mohamed Omar, the Director of Communications at Djibouti’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, dismissed Ruto’s sentiments that Africa had lost a valuable opportunity by not electing Raila. Instead, Omar argued that the continent deserved a better candidate.

 

Responding via a statement on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, February 17, Omar defended the decision made by the 33 African heads of state who voted for Djibouti’s Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, emphasizing that it was the right choice for addressing Africa’s challenges.

 

“In response to President Ruto on Citizen TV Kenya: claiming Africa ‘lost an opportunity’ is dishonest. Thirty-three heads of state chose Mahmoud, the right choice for Africa’s challenges, refusing to let the AU be hostage to Kenyan domestic politics. Africa deserved better than Raila,” Omar stated.

 

 

 

Ruto had earlier expressed disappointment over Raila’s loss, maintaining that the ODM leader was the best candidate for the AUC role. He lamented that Africa had missed out on the opportunity to benefit from Raila’s leadership and experience.

 

“I regret that Africa missed the opportunity to be served by the finest,” Ruto remarked.

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 “Baba made me very proud. He was the best candidate we could have put forward.”

 

 

 

Raila’s AUC bid had received strong backing from Kenya, but ultimately, the majority of African leaders favored Djibouti’s Youssouf for the top continental position.