Mahmoud Ali Youssouf Elected Head of African Union Commission
Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Djibouti’s long-serving foreign minister since 2005, has been elected as the new head of the African Union Commission.
Securing the required two-thirds majority from regional leaders in Addis Ababa, Youssouf will now represent Africa’s 1.5 billion people at the continental level. Despite being seen as an underdog against Kenya’s veteran politician Raila Odinga, his steady and strategic campaign earned him the top position, succeeding Chadian diplomat Moussa Faki Mahamat.
Fluent in Arabic, English, and French, Youssouf is known for his diplomatic expertise and close ties with Djibouti’s President, Ismail Omar Guelleh. Reacting to the win, Guelleh described it as “a proud moment for Djibouti and Africa,” emphasizing Youssouf’s commitment to serving the continent with vision and dedication.
Addressing Africa’s Challenges
Djibouti, a strategically located nation at the Bab-el-Mandeb strait, plays a crucial role in global trade. As the new AU Commission chair, Youssouf has acknowledged governance issues in parts of Africa, particularly in countries affected by political instability and coups.
In a recent statement, he emphasized that “peace and security” would be his top priority, with conflicts in Sudan and the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo demanding urgent attention.
Additionally, he will navigate the impact of major international policy shifts, including funding cuts to humanitarian aid programs. With global support fluctuating, his leadership will be key in steering Africa’s development efforts forward.
While refraining from direct comments on the policies of US President Donald Trump, Youssouf previously stated that all international actions would be assessed fairly and without bias.
His tenure at the African Union will be closely watched as he works to strengthen governance, stability, and collaboration across the continent.
