Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf Elected as New African Union Commission Chairperson at 38th AU Summit

In a historic and closely contested election, Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has emerged as the newly elected Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) during the ongoing 38th AU Summit in Addis Ababa. Youssouf succeeds Moussa Faki Mahamat of Chad, following an intense series of voting rounds held on Saturday, February 15.

Multi-Round Voting Results

The election was marked by multiple rounds of voting, reflecting the tight race between the three main contenders:

1. First Round
• Mahmoud Ali Youssouf (Djibouti): 18 votes
• Raila Odinga (Kenya): 20 votes
• Richard Randriamandrato (Madagascar): 10 votes

No candidate achieved the required two-thirds majority, leading to a second round.

2. Second Round
• Mahmoud Ali Youssouf (Djibouti): 19 votes
• Raila Odinga (Kenya): 22 votes
• Richard Randriamandrato (Madagascar): 7 votes

Still no candidate reached the two-thirds threshold, prompting a third round.

3. Third Round
• Mahmoud Ali Youssouf (Djibouti): 23 votes
• Raila Odinga (Kenya): 20 votes
• Richard Randriamandrato (Madagascar): 5 votes

Randriamandrato trailed, but no one secured the two-thirds majority, leading to a fourth round.

4. Fourth Round (Raila vs. Youssouf)
• Mahmoud Ali Youssouf (Djibouti): 25 votes
• Raila Odinga (Kenya): 21 votes

No two-thirds majority once again, proceeding to a fifth round.

5. Fifth Round
• Mahmoud Ali Youssouf (Djibouti): 26 votes
• Raila Odinga (Kenya): 21 votes

Still short of the two-thirds majority, leading to a sixth round.

6. Sixth Round
• Mahmoud Ali Youssouf (Djibouti): 26 votes
• Raila Odinga (Kenya): 22 votes

Raila Odinga was eliminated going into the seventh round, leaving Youssouf as the sole candidate.

7. Seventh Round
• Mahmoud Ali Youssouf (Djibouti): 33 votes

Mahmoud Ali Youssouf was declared the new AUC Chairperson after securing the clear majority.

Significance of the Election

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission is a pivotal figure in shaping the continent’s political, economic, and socio-cultural agenda. As the head of the AU’s executive branch, the Chairperson works closely with member states to implement strategic initiatives in areas such as:

• Peace and Security – Addressing conflicts, terrorism, and regional instability.
• Economic Integration – Promoting intra-African trade and bolstering the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
• Infrastructure Development – Enhancing road, rail, and technological linkages across the continent.
• Social Affairs – Driving efforts in health, education, and youth empowerment.

About Mahmoud Ali Youssouf

Hailing from Djibouti, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has served as the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation since 2005. Known for his diplomatic acumen, Youssouf has played a critical role in regional peacemaking efforts, economic partnerships, and forging stronger ties between African nations and the international community.

Looking Ahead

As the new leader of the African Union Commission, Youssouf is expected to build on his predecessor’s accomplishments while introducing fresh perspectives on regional integration, conflict resolution, and sustainable development. The African continent faces evolving challenges and opportunities, and Youssouf’s longstanding diplomatic experience will be instrumental in guiding the AU’s executive arm.

Key Priorities for the New AUC Chairperson

1. Strengthening Continental Unity: Youssouf plans to foster deeper collaboration among AU member states, enhancing cooperation on issues such as border security, the environment, and public health.
2. Driving Economic Growth: Building on the AfCFTA, the new Chairperson aims to accelerate industrialization, boost intra-African trade, and attract foreign investment, positioning Africa as a global economic player.
3. Promoting Peace and Stability: With ongoing conflicts in various regions, Youssouf’s leadership will focus on mediation, conflict prevention, and building robust peacekeeping frameworks.
4. Championing Gender Equality and Youth Empowerment: Recognizing the continent’s youthful demographics, the new Commission head is committed to creating opportunities for women and young people in leadership and entrepreneurship.

About the African Union (AU)

Established in 2002, the African Union is composed of 55 member states working toward greater unity, solidarity, and cooperation among African countries. The Union’s Commission, headed by a Chairperson, serves as its administrative and executive branch, responsible for day-to-day management and strategic decision-making.

As the 38th AU Summit continues, African leaders and international observers anticipate a new era of leadership under Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, with hopes for unprecedented growth, stability, and integration across the continent.