Djibouti’s Foreign Minister, Mahmoud Youssouf, has emerged victorious in the race to become the next Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, securing a significant political achievement for his country. Youssouf won the prestigious position after defeating prominent candidates, including former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga and former Malagasy Foreign Minister Richard Randriamandrato, in a highly competitive election.
The election, which took place during the 35th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, saw a strong turnout of African heads of state and government leaders. Youssouf’s victory was celebrated as a key milestone for Djibouti, marking the first time the country will hold the influential AU Commission Chair position.
In his acceptance speech, Youssouf outlined his priorities for the role, emphasizing regional security as a central focus. He stated that his tenure would be dedicated to addressing the pressing security challenges facing the African continent, including terrorism, conflicts, and instability in certain regions. He also expressed his commitment to enhancing the African Union’s capacity to respond to crises, aiming for a more robust and efficient organization.
Youssouf further pledged to work towards greater unity across Africa by bridging linguistic, cultural, and political divides. A key part of his agenda will be promoting intra-Africa trade and fostering cooperation among African nations to reduce dependency on foreign powers and promote continental economic integration.
“I believe that the future of Africa lies in our ability to work together. As Chairperson, I will strive to ensure that the African Union becomes more inclusive and responsive to the needs of every African citizen,” Youssouf declared.
The election of Mahmoud Youssouf is a momentous development for Djibouti, whose leadership will now play a pivotal role in shaping the continent’s future in international diplomacy, economic development, and peacekeeping. He will succeed the outgoing Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat of Chad, who served a successful term.
Youssouf’s extensive experience in foreign affairs, his role as Djibouti’s foreign minister, and his contributions to African diplomacy position him well to lead the African Union Commission in addressing key regional and global challenges. His appointment is seen as an opportunity for the AU to strengthen its influence and effectiveness on the global stage.
