Just a day before the highly anticipated African Union Commission Chairperson elections, some reports have emerged indicating that Djibouti’s Foreign Minister, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has withdrawn from the race.
According to Youssouf, reports are making the rounds in Arab media outlets indicating he has stepped down from the race.
However, in a statement on X late Wednesday, Youssouf denied the media reports, insisting he was still in the race.
The reports emerged after a small meeting between Yousouf and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi in Addis Ababa.
This is the second time Youssouf has been forced to clarify reports of his withdrawal. Three weeks ago, reports on social media emerged indicating that he had withdrawn from the race in support of Raila.
But just like the reports that emerged on Wednesday, Youssouf denied the reports and asserted he is still in the race.
According to the global outlet AFP, the African Union did not receive a withdrawal letter from any of the candidates. while Youssouf confirmed he remains in the contest.
Youssouf, Raila, and Madagascar’s former Foreign Minister Richard Randriamandrato are the three candidates vying for the AU’s top seat.
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