Addis Ababa –
Djibouti’s long-serving Foreign Minister, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has been elected as the new Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) following a competitive election at the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa.
Youssouf, a seasoned diplomat who has played a key role in Djibouti’s foreign policy for over two decades, won the race after securing 33 votes in the final round. His victory came after a closely contested battle against Kenya’s Raila Odinga and Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato.
The election process saw Odinga leading in the first round with 20 votes, followed by Youssouf with 18, and Randriamandrato with 10. However, Youssouf gained momentum in the subsequent rounds, eliminating Odinga by the third round and ultimately achieving the required majority.
Youssouf’s appointment is seen as a significant moment for Djibouti, further cementing its influence in continental affairs. As AUC Chairperson, he is expected to focus on strengthening regional integration, security, and economic cooperation across Africa.
