Raila Odinga, a once Prime Minister of the Republic of Kenya, graciously conceded defeat in the bid for chairmanship of the African Union against Djibouti’s Foreign Minister, Maxamuud Cali Yuusuf. He congratulated Yuusuf after the votes were cast in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, reiterating his view that true democracy must rise in Africa. He hoped indeed that the unsettled outcome would be another good example for the continent in its democratic processes.
In reflecting on his defeat, Odinga hoped for and expressed pride in the electoral process. He said he was proud of those who had voted for him for their demonstration of democracy, underscoring this strive as a manifestation of success. His moderate acceptance of the outcome re-establishes his long-standing vow to political integrity and the belief in a possibility of progress for Africa through peaceful elections.
Maxamuud Cali Yuusuf’s ascent to AU leadership represents a dramatic shift and many people are now looking to him for leadership to unify and modernize the AU. Even in defeat, Odinga repeatedly committed himself to the quest of promoting development for Africa, making sure he was ready to help out in whatever way possible. Attendees noted his remarks as an undeterred effort to apply every single possible space for improving a continent, regardless of the electoral situation.