Djibouti rebukes Ruto's remarks on Raila's AUC election loss

A new diplomatic storm is brewing after Djibouti strongly criticized President William Ruto’s remarks following Raila Odinga’s loss in the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson race.

The controversy erupted just hours after Djibouti’s candidate, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, was declared the winner. He secured the majority vote from African Heads of State, beating Raila Odinga, who was Kenya’s preferred candidate.

Reacting to the results, President Ruto expressed disappointment, saying Africa had “lost an opportunity” by not electing Raila. Speaking during a dinner in Addis Ababa, Ruto praised Raila as the “finest” leader who would have served Africa well. He added that Raila had made Kenya proud despite the loss.

However, these remarks did not sit well with Djibouti. Ambassador Moussa Mohamed Omar, a communications expert in Djibouti’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, took to social media to criticize Ruto’s reaction. He accused Ruto of trying to bring Kenya’s domestic politics into the African Union.

"In response to President Ruto on Citizen TV Kenya: claiming Africa ‘lost an opportunity’ is dishonest. 33 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 posted on X.

Despite the tension, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf himself appeared to take a different approach. He acknowledged Ruto’s congratulatory message and expressed his willingness to work with him for the benefit of the African continent.

"I thank HE William Ruto for congratulating me on my victory, he is the African champion for the Reforms, I am honored to work with him to advance our continental agenda, Asanti sana Mzee," Mahmoud wrote.

The heated exchange has sparked debate about whether Ruto’s comments were appropriate or if they undermined the democratic decision of African leaders. While some Kenyans supported Ruto for standing by Raila, others felt that he should have accepted the outcome more gracefully.

Source: Standard Media