South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued a clarification on endorsing Azimio Party leader Raila Odinga‘s opponent in the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairmanship bid.
The clarification follows a viral post which alleged that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa stated his support for Djibouti’s candidate, Mahmoud Youssou, as the region’s nominee.
The post claimed that Ramaphosa’s position was based on a decision made by the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which reportedly met and resolved to back Mahmoud Youssou.
In a statement on Wednesday, October 2, the office of the South African Presidency termed the information as a fake with a stamp of misinformation to inform the public that it is not true.
“A fake news poster with a quote attributed to President Cyril Ramaphosa has been circulating on some online platforms,” the statement read in part.
“Please be reminded to always verify facts with official Presidency of South Africa (@ PresidencyZA) platforms.”
Ramaphosa Clarification follows Mahmoud Youssou Meeting with Salva Kiir
This comes after in September South Sudan President Salva Kiir met Djibouti African Union (AU) Chairman Candidate and Foreign Affairs Minister Mahmoud Youssou.
This meeting sparked a wave of speculation about where Kiir’s loyalties truly lie in the race for the AU top seat.
As the current chairman of the East African Community (EAC), Kiir had previously voiced his support for Azimio leader Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the same position.
Also Read: AUC Chair Bid: Features of Raila’s Website Launched During State House Event
President William Ruto on August 27,2024 officially launched Odinga’s candidacy for the AUC Chairmanship.
This high-profile event was graced by a stellar lineup of East African leaders, including Presidents Samia Suluhu of Tanzania, Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, and Salva Kiir of South Sudan.
The gathering also saw the presence of former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete.
President Ruto passionately endorsed the former Prime Minister, praising his “extensive experience and deep understanding” of African and global affairs.
He argued that Odinga is ideally positioned to tackle the continent’s challenges and enhance the AU’s role in global affairs. Ruto highlighted Odinga’s track record of transformative leadership and commitment to Pan-African unity.
“Raila Odinga is a celebrated statesman whose longevity in leadership has been sustained by an unrelenting devotion to democratic change as the foundation of sustainable freedom and prosperity,” Ruto stated.
Also Read: Govt Denies Holding a Fundraiser for Raila’s AUC Bid
Odinga also launched a website for his candidacy to succeed outgoing chairman Chadian Moussa Faki which entails Odinga’s Vision and Priorities that he is set to undertake once he is elected as the new AUC chair.
Govt Intensifies Campaign for Raila
President Ruto and Raila on September 4 met several heads of state including President Umaro Sissoco (Guinea Bissau), Faure Essozimna (Togo), Mahamat Idriss (Chad), and Rwanda (Paul Kagame).
Others include Zambia President Hakainde Hichilema who is also the chair of COMESA, Denis Sassou Nguesso (Congo Brazzaville) and Asimi Goita (Mali).
The government stated that it has mapped out the continent, dividing it into regional blocks to secure a handful of votes in a diplomatic mission aimed at projecting Odinga in his bid.
The first layer of it obviously was to reach out to critical countries that have already been mapped out including SADC as well as Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
In the February 2025 poll, Raila Odinga will face Djibouti Foreign Affairs Minister Mahmoud Youssouf, who is regarded as his main opponent.
Anil Gayan from Mauritius and Richard Randriamandrato from Madagascar are also vying for the seat.
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