Au Commission: Mahmoud Ali Youssouf Elected as New Leader

Mahmoud Ali Youssouf Elected Chairperson of African Union Commission

In a significant development, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Djibouti’s Foreign Minister since 2005, has been elected as the new Chairperson of the African Union Commission. Youssouf secured the required two-thirds support from the region’s leaders during the 38th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The 59-year-old diplomat, who speaks Arabic, English, and French, was considered an outside candidate against veteran Kenyan politician Raila Odinga. However, his low-key campaign and diplomatic experience ultimately won over the majority of the region’s leaders.

Youssouf’s election has been hailed as a “proud moment for Djibouti and Africa” by Djibouti’s leader Ismail Omar Guelleh. The newly elected Chairperson has identified “peace and security” as his top priority, acknowledging the “problem with governance” in some African nations.

As the African Union Commission’s new leader, Youssouf will face significant challenges, including conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan, as well as the impact of US President Donald Trump’s aid cuts. Despite these challenges, Youssouf remains committed to serving Africa with “dedication and vision” .