Djibouti's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has been elected as the new Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) for the 2025-2028 term.
Mahmoud Ali Youssouf victory was confirmed during the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly of Heads of State and Government on Saturday.
Youssouf is set to take over from Moussa Faki Mahamat, the outgoing chair and former Prime Minister of Chad, who's stepping down after two four-year terms.
Historically, the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson role has been held by individuals from Western, Central, and Southern regions.
However, the AU Executive Council has decided it's East Africa's turn.
Election Outcome
Youssouf won after five rounds of voting, securing 33 votes in the final round. He defeated:
Raila Odinga, former Kenyan Prime Minister, and
Richard Randriamandrato, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Madagascar.
His victory was seen as an upset, as Odinga had been widely expected to win.
However, Odinga's failure to present a clear vision within the allotted time reportedly affected his chances.
He spent three minutes discussing the history of Pan-Africanism and African solidarity before being cut off by the timer.
Youssouf's Vision
In his acceptance speech, Youssouf pledged to drive transformation and prioritize Africa's interests on the global stage.
With a diplomatic career spanning over three decades, Youssouf has held various key positions, including leading Djibouti's Arab Affairs Department, serving as ambassador to Egypt, and holding the office of minister of foreign affairs since 2005.
During the 2024 AUC Mjadala Afrika Leadership Debate, Youssouf emphasized the need for peace, security, collaborative conflict resolution, improved governance, and human rights.
Youssouf outlined his priorities for the AU, pledging to strengthen the AU's Peace and Security Council, operationalize the African Standby Force, ensure stable financing for the union, boost intra-African trade, and promote the free movement of goods and people across the continent.
Meanwhile, Angolan President João Lourenço has assumed the role of Chairperson of the African Union, a position that rotates among heads of state.
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