Three veteran African politicians from Djibouti, Kenya, and Mauritius are competing for the African Union’s top position.
The AU, with 55 member states, will elect a new chair at its February summit to succeed Moussa Faki Mahamat.
The role is this year reserved for an East African candidate. Moussa Faki Mahamat, a Chadian who has held the position since 2017, will step down.
The elections are set to determine his successor.
Mahamoud Ali Youssouf from Djibouti, a French, English, and Arabic speaker, claims he can unite Africa’s diverse regions.
At 58, he’s served as Djibouti’s foreign minister since 2005 and aims to end conflicts on the continent.
Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga, 79, is also in the race.
Despite five failed presidential bids, including the 2022 loss to William Ruto, Odinga remains committed to his goal of leading Kenya and serving Africa.
Anil Gayan, 76, from Mauritius, has also declared his candidacy.
With past roles as foreign minister and other positions in Mauritius, Gayan submitted his candidacy just before the August 6 deadline.
The final list is awaited from the AU.
