Djibouti’s Mahmoud Youssouf
Source: Africa Publicity
In a significant development at the 38th African Union Summit, Djibouti’s Foreign Minister, Mahmoud Youssouf, has been elected as the new Chairperson of the African Union Commission. Youssouf secured a two-thirds majority with 33 votes, marking a decisive victory in the election held on Saturday, February 15, 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Youssouf’s election comes after a closely contested voting process, which saw Kenya’s candidate, Raila Odinga, eliminated after five rounds of voting. Odinga had initially led in the first two rounds but was eventually overtaken by Youssouf, who gained momentum in the subsequent rounds.
As a seasoned diplomat and long-serving Foreign Minister of Djibouti, Youssouf brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He has played a crucial part in strengthening Djibouti’s diplomatic ties both regionally and internationally, and has been instrumental in mediating regional conflicts.
Youssouf’s election signals a new direction for the African Union, and he is set to succeed Chad’s Moussa Faki, who has held the position for the past eight years. As the new Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Youssouf will be responsible for steering the commission forward and addressing the various challenges facing the continent.
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