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In a significant political development, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has endorsed Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister, for the prestigious position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC). 

This move has dealt a setback to Raila Odinga, who is also vying for the same role.

The endorsement came just days after President William Ruto of Kenya visited Egypt to rally support for Raila's candidacy. 

Ruto's visit was seen as a key diplomatic effort, particularly since both Egypt and Kenya are important players in East Africa. 

However, al-Sisi’s backing of Youssouf could alter the dynamics of the race, as Djibouti has presented Youssouf as a candidate who is highly skilled in diplomacy, especially in managing relations within the African Union.

Djibouti’s campaign has emphasized Youssouf’s linguistic abilities, which they believe give him an edge in engaging with a diverse range of African leaders. 

This endorsement contrasts with Raila’s own diplomatic experience, which has been an essential part of his political career. 

Despite this, Raila’s candidacy remains strong, with backing from several nations in both East and West Africa.

The race for the AUC chairmanship is highly competitive, with candidates vying for the support of regional blocs and individual countries. 

As Egypt joins the growing list of nations backing Youssouf, Raila will need to intensify his efforts to secure more endorsements in his bid to become the next Chairperson of the African Union Commission.

This development highlights the complex nature of African politics, where alliances and diplomatic efforts play a crucial role in determining the outcome of high-profile elections. 

As the election for the AUC Chairperson approaches, it will be interesting to see how Raila and his supporters respond to Egypt’s endorsement of the Djibouti candidate.