Djibouti has affirmed its support for Foreign Affairs Cabinet Minister Amb. Amina Mohamed’s candidature for the position of African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson.

Djibouti Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said it was time for the East African region to clinch the AUC top position, saying Ambassador Mohamed is the best candidate the continental body has ever had. Youssouf is also Djibouti President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh’s special envoy.

The minister was speaking at State House Nairobi when he delivered a special message to President Uhuru Kenyatta from President Guelleh.

President Kenyatta welcomed Djibouti’s support, saying Ambassador Mohamed is a candidate with vast experience who will steer the AUC to greater achievement.

He urged the region to work together in drumming up support for Ambassador Mohamed.

President Kenyatta and the Djibouti Foreign Affairs Minister also discussed the situation in South Sudan and Somalia and expressed the need for concrete efforts to entrench peace and stability in the two countries.

The meeting was also attended by Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed and Principal Secretary Monica Juma.