Veteran Kenyan politician Raila Odinga has gracefully conceded defeat in the race for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson, acknowledging that African leaders have made their choice.
Odinga, who lost to Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, expressed no bitterness over the outcome and extended his best wishes to his competitor.
“As it stands, we did not win, therefore I concede defeat. I wish my competitor all the best,” Odinga stated, reaffirming his commitment to Africa’s progress despite the loss.
The former Kenyan Prime Minister also hinted at his next steps, indicating that he would now turn his focus back to domestic affairs.
“I will go back home; there are many things waiting for me back there.”
Odinga’s bid for the AU Commission chairmanship had garnered significant attention, with supporters viewing him as a seasoned leader capable of advancing Africa’s integration agenda.
Despite falling short, he remains open to serving the continent in another capacity.
Asked whether crises like the one in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) could have played a part in the result, Odinga said he will not be jumping into speculations.
On his part, Kenya President William Ruto, pledged the country’s full support to the new AUC leadership saying the election was not about individuals or nations but Africa’s future.
