The new African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson Mahmoud Youssouf has acknowledged the congratulatory message from Kenya's President William Ruto.
Ruto lauded Mahmoud for putting up an impeccable effort to win the post on Saturday, February 15.
While noting the support of the AU Assembly to the new chairperson, Ruto assured his leadership of support from Kenya in the course of his first four-year term.
"To their Excellencies Mahmoud Youssouf and Selma Haddadi, the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the Africa Union Commission, I extend my sincere congratulations. You have the trust of the AU Assembly, and Kenya pledges her full support to you as you steer the Africa Union Commission to the next level," Ruto said.
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In acknowledging Ruto's message of goodwill, Mahmoud commended the Kenyan president for his passion and commitment toward African reforms.
He pledged to partner with Ruto in steering the African continent to the desired reforms and successes.
"I thank HE President William Ruto for congratulating me on my victory: he is the African champion for the Reforms: I am honored to work with him to advance our continental agenda: Asanti sana Mzee," said Mahmoud.
Mahmoud edged over his competitors to win the election.
He was competing against Kenya's Raila Odinga and Richard Randramandriato of Madagascar.
The voting by the African heads of state went up to the seventh round in which the winner was determined.
The Madagascar candidate was eliminated in the third stage after securing the least votes.
The race was then reduced to Raila and Mahmoud; the duo maintained a slight gap before the Djibouti candidate later gained ground.
Raila was eliminated in the sixth round, leaving Mahmoud who made it to seventh where he secured seven votes to attain the two-thirds win threshold.
The winner was immediately sworn in to begin his duties in the AU secretariat.
Mahmoud succeeded former Chad prime minister Moussa Faki; he will be deputised by Ambassador Selma Haddadi from Algeria.
