Opposition leader Raila Odinga’s chances of clinching the AU chairperson post have been lowered following the entry of a third candidate.
Djibouti's Foreign Minister Mahmoud Youssouf has thrown his hat into the ring making him the third candidate from the East African region.
Somali’s former deputy prime minister and current member of the federal parliament Fawzia Yusuf is also in the race.
Raila had initially appeared to be a frontrunner but Yousuf's entry adds a new dynamic to the contest.
“The Republic of Djibouti officially announces the candidacy of its Minister of Foreign Affairs, M Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, for the post of President of the African Union Commission,” reads a communiqué from the office of the president.
With the three contenders now vying for the influential role, the competition promises to be fierce considering the candidates are from the same region.
Youssouf according to the communiqué has more than two decades of experience as Minister of Foreign Affairs making him best suited for the position.
“Youssouf is a man of experience and seasoned diplomat, knowing the mysteries of the Continental Organization to serve and breathe new life into the Pan-African Organization,” it adds.
“He has all the assets to meet the expectations and interests of the continent. He speaks French, English and Arabic fluently.”
Last month, the AU Executive Council ratified a decision to have Eastern Africa produce the next chairperson.
In a unanimous vote during the 22nd Extraordinary Session of the Executive Council, the AU Council also gave the deputy chairperson to Northern Africa.
In the arrangement, Central, Southern and Western Africa will flex muscles for the six slots for commissioners.
The decision is in accordance with the Statute of the AU Commission, the Rules of Procedure of the African Union policy organs and the decisions of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi who has been pushing for the adoption of the decision termed it a breakthrough for East Africa.
“This is a breakthrough for the Eastern Africa region to present candidates for the position of chairperson of the AUC,” Mudavadi said.
“It is now clear that Raila Odinga will be in the race for the AU Commission Chairperson. Effectively, there are no more technical or legal hurdles preventing Kenya from submitting its candidate.”
Eastern Africa was widely expected to provide chairmanship given that the other regions had occupied the top seat.
Previous chairpersons are Cote D’Ivoire Amara Essy (2002 - 2003), Mali’s Oumar Konare (2003 -2008), South Africa’s Nkosazana Dlamini (2012 - 2017) and Faki (2017 - 2025).