African Union elections are a critical event that can shape the future of the continent. In the upcoming election for the chairman position in February 2025, Mohamed Ali Youssouf from Djibouti and Raila Odinga from Kenya have emerged as the two most discussed candidates. When assessing the probable criteria for election between these two candidates, it becomes apparent that Mohamed Ali Youssouf, a 59-year-old seasoned diplomat, holds a stronger position compared to Raila Odinga, an 80-year-old veteran politician, in various aspects.
Firstly, one of the key factors to consider in electing a chairman for the African Union is leadership experience. Mohamed Ali Youssouf brings with him a wealth of experience in international diplomacy, having served as Djibouti’s Foreign Minister for many years. He has a proven track record of handling complex international relations and has demonstrated his ability to navigate diplomatic challenges successfully. In contrast, Raila Odinga, while a respected politician in Kenya, lacks the same level of experience in international relations. Odinga’s tendency to advocate for the statehood of Somaliland, a controversial issue within the African Union and his voilent disputes on election results, may raise concerns about his diplomatic skills and ability to build consensus among member states.
Secondly, vision for the future of the African Union is a crucial aspect to consider in the election. Mohamed Ali Youssouf has outlined a clear vision for the AU, focusing on economic development, peace and security, and regional integration. He has specific plans and strategies in place to address the challenges facing Africa and drive the continent towards progress. On the other hand, Raila Odinga’s vision for the AU appears to be less defined, with vague promises of change without concrete plans for implementation. This lack of clarity may hinder his ability to effectively lead the organization towards its goals. Both vision texts are published for public utility. An attentive reader can detect the clear cut existence of a generation gab.
Furthermore, age is a factor that cannot be disregarded in the election of the AU chairman. While age should not be the sole determining factor in leadership, it is worth noting that Mohamed Ali Youssouf, being significantly younger than Raila Odinga, may bring a fresh perspective and energy to the role. Younger leaders often bring new ideas and approaches to problem-solving, which can be crucial in addressing the evolving challenges facing the African Union. In contrast, Odinga’s age of 80 years may pose challenges in keeping up with the demands of the position and adapting to the rapidly changing political landscape.
Moving on to the ability to build consensus and foster collaboration among member states, this is another important criterion for the AU chairman. The chairperson plays a critical role in facilitating dialogue, mediating disputes, and forging alliances to promote unity within the African Union. A younger candidate like Mohamed Ali Youssouf may have stronger interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders, enabling him to navigate political dynamics and negotiate agreements effectively. On the other hand, an older candidate like Raila Odinga may struggle to engage with a younger generation of leaders and face challenges in building trust and rapport with diverse stakeholders due to potentially outdated communication styles.
In terms of innovative thinking and adaptation to change, the ability to embrace new ideas and respond to evolving circumstances is crucial for effective leadership in the African Union. A 59-year-old candidate like Mohamed Ali Youssouf may bring a fresh perspective and willingness to explore new approaches to problem-solving. He may be more open to experimentation and collaboration, which are essential qualities for driving positive change and improving the organization’s effectiveness. Conversely, an 80-year-old candidate like Raila Odinga may be more resistant to change and less inclined to take risks or think outside the box, which could hinder the organization’s ability to adapt to new challenges and opportunities.
Transparency, accountability, and good governance are fundamental principles that should guide the leadership of the African Union. A 59-year-old candidate like Mohamed Ali Youssouf may have a strong commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance, given his track record of ethical leadership and integrity. He may prioritize anti-corruption measures and ensure that decision-making processes are fair and inclusive. In contrast, an 80-year-old candidate like Raila Odinga may have a more relaxed approach to governance, which could raise concerns about his ability to uphold the values and principles of the organization effectively.
Communication skills and the ability to engage with diverse audiences are essential for effective leadership in the African Union. A 59-year-old candidate like Mohamed Ali Youssouf may have strong verbal and written communication skills, enabling him to articulate a vision, inspire others, and build consensus. He may be adept at engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, including policymakers, diplomats, journalists, and the general public, to advance the organization’s mission and priorities. In contrast, an 80-year-old candidate like Raila Odinga may struggle to effectively communicate his message and connect with younger generations or tech-savvy audiences, which could hinder his ability to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders and promote the organization’s goals.
Advancing gender equality, inclusion, and diversity is another key aspect to consider in the election of the AU chairman. A 59-year-old candidate like Mohamed Ali Youssouf may have a strong commitment to promoting social justice and equal rights, particularly in areas such as gender equality, women’s empowerment, and minority rights. He may prioritize gender mainstreaming and ensure that decision-making processes are inclusive and responsive to the needs of marginalized groups. Conversely, an 80-year-old candidate like Raila Odinga may have a more traditional or conservative approach to gender and diversity issues, which could limit his ability to effectively advocate for equality and inclusion within the organization.
Managing conflicts, crises, and emergencies is a critical responsibility for the chairman of the African Union. A 59-year-old candidate like Mohamed Ali Youssouf may have experience in conflict resolution and crisis management, equipping him with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate complex challenges effectively. He may prioritize conflict prevention and peacebuilding initiatives, working collaboratively with member states and international partners to address security challenges and protect civilian populations. On the other hand, an 80-year-old candidate like Raila Odinga may have limited experience in managing conflicts, which could pose challenges in responding to emergencies and resolving disputes in a timely and effective manner.
Promoting sustainable development, economic growth, and social progress are key priorities for the African Union. A 59-year-old candidate like Mohamed Ali Youssouf may have a strong track record of promoting sustainable development and economic growth in previous roles, advocating for policies and programs that support job creation, education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. He may prioritize investments in human capital and innovation, fostering partnerships with the private sector and international donors to drive economic growth and reduce inequality. Conversely, an 80-year-old candidate like Raila Odinga may have a more conservative approach to economic development, which could limit his ability to effectively promote sustainable development and economic growth within the African Union.
Lastly, mobilizing support, resources, and partnerships is essential for advancing the organization’s mission and priorities. A 59-year-old candidate like Mohamed Ali Youssouf may have a strong network of contacts and supporters, enabling him to mobilize resources and build partnerships to support the organization’s strategic objectives. He may be skilled at engaging with donors, investors, and partners, leveraging financial and technical resources to deliver tangible results for the continent. In contrast, an 80-year-old candidate like Raila Odinga may have limited connections and experience in fundraising and partnership development, which could impact his ability to effectively mobilize support and engage with diverse stakeholders.
In conclusion, the election for the chairman position of the African Union between Mohamed Ali Youssouf and Raila Odinga presents a clear choice between a 59-year-old seasoned diplomat and an 80-year-old veteran politician. While both candidates bring unique strengths and experiences to the table, it is evident that Mohamed Ali Youssouf holds a stronger position in terms of leadership experience, vision for the future, ability to build consensus, capacity for innovative thinking, commitment to transparency and good governance, communication skills, dedication to promoting gender equality and diversity, proficiency in conflict management and crisis response, focus on sustainable development and economic growth, and aptitude for mobilizing support and partnerships. By carefully evaluating these factors and selecting a candidate who embodies strong leadership qualities, ethical principles, and a clear commitment to advancing the interests of the African people, the African Union can ensure effective leadership that leads the organization towards a more prosperous, peaceful, and inclusive future for the continent.
