Djibouti’s Foreign Minister, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, has been elected as the new Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) in a closely contested election during the African Union (AU) summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Youssouf secured the position against prominent contenders, including Kenya’s former Prime Minister, 80-year-old Raila Odinga, and Madagascar’s ex-Foreign Minister, Richard Randriamandrato.
Mahmoud Youssouf will now succeed Moussa Faki of Chad, who has led the AUC since 2017.
The 59-year-old Mahmoud Youssouf has been Djibouti’s Foreign Minister since 2005 and previously served as the nation’s ambassador to Egypt. His extensive diplomatic experience spanning more than 20 years has largely shaped his career. Upon his election, Djibouti’s Economy and Finance Minister, Ilyas Dawaleh, announced the victory on social media, expressing confidence in Youssouf’s leadership.
The election was a significant event at the African Union summit, which primarily focused on addressing escalating conflicts, particularly the war in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The election of Mahmoud Youssouf is viewed as a strategic move to strengthen the AU’s role in conflict resolution and enhance its global influence. In his campaign, the career diplomat emphasised the importance of African representation with permanent seats on the U.N. Security Council, advocating for the continent’s voice in international affairs.
Raila Odinga, a veteran Kenyan politician, opposition leader and former Prime Minister, was a formidable candidate, receiving endorsements from several African leaders. His campaign centred on making the AU more people-oriented and enhancing intra-African trade. Despite his loss, Odinga’s participation underscored his enduring influence in African politics.
The tenure of Mahmoud Youssouf as AUC Chairperson will involve tackling pressing challenges, including political instability in various African nations and implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). His leadership is anticipated to steer the AU towards greater unity and proactive engagement in continental issues.
