MOGADISHU — In a surprising political maneuver, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has summoned Fowzia Yusuf, the Former Somali Foreign Minister and a prominent candidate for the African Union (AU) Chairperson position, urging her to withdraw from the race.
According to sources close to the matter, President Mohamud has applied considerable pressure on Fowzia to step aside in favor of Djiboutian candidate Mohamoud Ali Youssef, another contender for the prestigious AU post.
The high-stakes meeting, held behind closed doors on Tuesday, reportedly ended in a stalemate, with Fowzia resisting the President’s appeals. The move by President Mohamud has sparked controversy and allegations of betrayal within Somali political circles.
This development marks the second instance this years where the Federal Government of Somalia has been accused of undermining female candidates vying for significant continental and international positions.
Some Somali officials noted that the move highlights the broader issues of gender and political influence within Somali politics.
Despite the pressure from President Mohamud, Yusuf has not yet made any public statements regarding her candidacy or the President’s request.
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