African Union elects Djibouti’s foreign minister as new leader of Commission

At the African Union (AU) summit held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, African leaders have elected Djibouti’s Foreign Minister, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, as the new chairperson of the AU Commission.

The election took place on February 15, where Youssouf triumphed over two other high-profile candidates: Raila Odinga, the former Kenyan prime minister, and Richard Randriamandrato, Madagascar’s ex-foreign minister, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

The election, conducted by the heads of state and government of the 55 AU member states, is a pivotal moment for the continental body. Youssouf’s appointment marks the beginning of a four-year term, during which he will oversee the AU’s secretariat, based in Addis Ababa. He succeeds Moussa Faki, who has held the position since 2017, and whose tenure has been marked by persistent challenges facing the Union, including conflict management and political instability across the continent.

Youssouf’s victory represents a blow for Odinga, a prominent political figure in East Africa. At 80 years old, Odinga’s bid for the AU Commission’s leadership would have been his final venture into public office after a remarkable career.

As the new head of the AU Commission, Youssouf assumes leadership at a time of considerable crisis for the continent. Key challenges on his agenda include addressing the rising influence of military juntas in West Africa and tackling the escalating rebellion in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where armed groups backed by Rwanda have recently seized two major cities.

Having served as Djibouti’s foreign minister since 2005, Youssouf brings extensive diplomatic experience to the role. His leadership will be closely scrutinized as the AU seeks to respond more effectively to ongoing conflicts and crises. The organization has often faced criticism for its perceived inaction in the face of armed conflicts and political turmoil across Africa.

By Vafa Guliyeva