Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – February 2025 – Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Djibouti’s long-serving Foreign Minister, has been elected as the new Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) after a closely contested election at the 38th Ordinary Summit of the African Union (AU) in Addis Ababa. His victory, secured with 33 votes in the final round, marks a significant diplomatic achievement for Djibouti and signals a new chapter in the AU’s leadership.
A Hotly Contested Election
The race for the AUC Chairpersonship was one of the most competitive in recent years, with Kenya, Djibouti, and Madagascar vying for the top position. The election was conducted in multiple rounds, reflecting the high stakes and regional interests involved.
- First Round: Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga led with 20 votes, followed by Youssouf with 18 votes and Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato with 10 votes.
- Second Round: Youssouf gained momentum, securing 25 votes, while Odinga received 21. Two countries abstained.
- Third Round: Odinga was eliminated after maintaining 21 votes, while Youssouf increased his tally to 26 votes, just shy of the required threshold.
- Final Round: Youssouf secured 33 votes, crossing the required majority to clinch the chairmanship.
Had he failed to secure 33 votes, the election would have been postponed for a year, leaving the AU without a permanent leader during a critical time for the continent.
Who is Mahmoud Ali Youssouf?
Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has been Djibouti’s Foreign Minister since 2005, making him one of Africa’s longest-serving diplomats. Over the years, he has played a crucial role in regional diplomacy, conflict mediation, and Djibouti’s strategic positioning in the Horn of Africa.
As Foreign Minister, Youssouf has been instrumental in:
- Strengthening Djibouti’s role as a diplomatic hub in the Horn of Africa.
- Mediating disputes, particularly between Somalia and neighboring countries.
- Deepening Djibouti’s partnerships with the AU, UN, and international organizations.
- Advocating for African economic integration and infrastructure development.
His election as AUC Chairperson signals continuity in the AU’s focus on regional security, economic integration, and institutional reforms.
The Significance of His Victory
Youssouf’s election is a diplomatic win for Djibouti, a small but strategically positioned country in the Horn of Africa. The victory also demonstrates the increasing influence of smaller nations within the AU, which has historically been dominated by larger powers like South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya.
His leadership comes at a crucial time when the AU is navigating:
- Peace and security challenges, including conflicts in Sudan, the Sahel, and the Horn of Africa.
- The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a landmark agreement aiming to boost intra-African trade.
- Reform of AU institutions, with calls for better efficiency and accountability.
With a wealth of diplomatic experience, Youssouf is expected to steer the AU through these complex issues while advocating for Africa’s position on the global stage.
His term as AUC Chairperson officially begins later this year, and the continent will be watching closely to see how he shapes the next phase of the African Union’s leadership and policy direction.
