Congratulatory Messages from H.E. Chief Fortune Zephania Charumbira, President of the Pan-African Parliament, to the Newly Elected Leadership of the African Union Commission

Saturday, 15 February 2025 marked a significant moment for the African Union (AU) as Heads of State and Government elected a new Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC). On behalf of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), its Bureau, and its entire membership, the President of PAP, His Excellency Chief Fortune Zephania Charumbira, extended heartfelt congratulations to the newly elected office bearers. Below are the congratulatory messages in full:

1. Message to the New Chairperson of the African Union Commission

His Excellency, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf

On behalf of the Bureau, the entire membership of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), and indeed on my own behalf, I wish to convey our hearty congratulations to His Excellency, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, the Government and people of the Republic of Djibouti, on his election as Chairperson of the African Union Commission on Saturday, 15th February 2025.

His Excellency, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf’s election by a two-thirds majority of the vote after a gruelling seven rounds of voting attests to the fact that the confidence reposed in him by African Heads of State and Government was a carefully considered meritorious decision not based on whim.

The Pan-African Parliament has no doubt that His Excellency, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf will live up to the expectations of the Heads of State and Government that put their faith in him, as well as an expectant African citizenry aspiring for a stronger, inclusive and more effective Commission that facilitates the attainment of “an integrated, peaceful and prosperous Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in global affairs.”

The Pan-African Parliament stands ready to support and work with His Excellency, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf during his tenure and ensure that the voice and interests of the people of Africa find expression in the decisions, programmes and policies of the Union.

Congratulations! Felicitations! Parabens! Felicidades! Hongera! Tahaniina!

H.E. Chief Fortune Zephania Charumbira
President of the Pan-African Parliament

2. Message to the New Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission

Her Excellency, Ambassador Selma Malika Haddadi

On behalf of the Bureau, the entire membership of the Pan-African Parliament, and indeed on my own behalf, I wish to express our sincere congratulations to Her Excellency, Ambassador Salma Malika Haddadi, the Government and people of the Republic of Algeria, on her election as Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission on Saturday, 15th February 2025.

The election of Her Excellency, Ambassador Haddadi, after six rounds of a tightly contested vote, demonstrated the maturation of democracy on the continent and the confidence that African leaders have in her able leadership.

The Pan-African Parliament has every confidence that Her Excellency, Ambassador Haddadi, will leverage the ongoing African Union Reforms to spearhead the transformation of the administrative arm of the Commission into an efficient, harmonized and well-coordinated structure that drives the effective implementation and attainment of the broader objectives of the Union.

The Pan-African Parliament affirms its commitment to working with Her Excellency, Ambassador Haddadi during her tenure.

Congratulations! Felicitations! Parabens! Felicidades! Hongera! Tahaniina!

H.E. Chief Fortune Zephania Charumbira
President of the Pan-African Parliament

A New Chapter for the African Union

The elections of His Excellency Mahamoud Ali Youssouf as Chairperson and Her Excellency Ambassador Selma Malika Haddadi as Deputy Chairperson is expected to herald a new chapter in the African Union’s quest for pan-African integration, peace, and prosperity. Both leaders assume these pivotal roles at a time when the African Union is undertaking significant reforms aimed at enhancing effectiveness, efficiency, and cooperation across the continent.

The Pan-African Parliament, as the legislative consultative body of the AU, has promised to support the new AUC leadership in advancing the AU’s Agenda 2063. By fostering solidarity among member states, upholding democratic values, and championing the aspirations of African citizens, PAP has pledged to work in tandem with the Commission to build a continent that is truly self-reliant and influential on the global stage.

Conclusion

The historic elections on 15 February 2025 once again highlighted the African Union’s commitment to democratic processes and the pursuit of capable leadership. Through these  messages, H.E. Chief Fortune Zephania Charumbira, President of the Pan-African Parliament, reiterated PAP’s readiness to collaborate closely with the new Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission. This spirit of cooperation and shared vision will pave the way for an Africa that is united, peaceful, and prosperous, driven by its people and strongly positioned in global affairs.