Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf elected as new African Union Commission Chairperson

Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Djibouti’s long-serving Foreign Minister, has been elected as the new Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) after a closely contested election at the 38th Ordinary Summit of the African Union (AU) in Addis Ababa.

Youssouf secured his victory with 33 votes in the final round, marking a significant diplomatic achievement for Djibouti and ushering in a new chapter in the AU’s leadership.

The election was highly competitive, with candidates from Kenya, Djibouti, and Madagascar in the running. Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga initially led the first round with 20 votes, followed by Youssouf with 18 and Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato with 10 votes. Youssouf gained momentum in subsequent rounds, securing the chairmanship in the final vote.

Had he failed to secure the required 33 votes, the election would have been postponed for a year, leaving the AU without a permanent leader during a critical time.

Youssouf, Djibouti’s Foreign Minister since 2005, is one of Africa’s longest-serving diplomats. He has played a vital role in strengthening Djibouti’s diplomatic influence in the Horn of Africa, mediating regional disputes, and advocating for African economic integration.

His election is considered a diplomatic win for Djibouti and highlights the growing influence of smaller nations within the AU.

Youssouf’s leadership will come at a crucial time as the AU addresses peace and security challenges, the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and institutional reforms. His term as AUC Chairperson will officially begin later this year.

Credit: Addis Insight