In a landmark victory, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, a seasoned diplomat from Djibouti, has been elected as the new Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC).
The 60-year-old veteran secured the highly coveted position in a fiercely contested election, defeating Kenya’s former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, in the final round of voting.
With this win, Mahamoud becomes the seventh AUC Chair since the organization’s establishment in 2002, and he is set to serve a four-year term, succeeding Chad’s Moussa Faki Mahamat, who held the position for eight years.
A Career Steeped in Diplomacy
Born and raised in Djibouti, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf boasts an extensive diplomatic career spanning over three decades.
His journey in international relations began in the 1990s when he joined Djibouti’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, heading the Arab Affairs Department.
Recognized for his strategic insights and diplomatic acumen, he was appointed Djibouti’s Ambassador to Egypt in 1997, a role he held until 2001.
His rise in Djibouti’s foreign policy ranks continued when he was named Minister Delegate for International Cooperation in 2001.
Just four years later, in 2005, he was appointed as Djibouti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, a position he held for several decades.
His long tenure at the helm of the country’s diplomatic affairs saw him play a key role in regional peace initiatives, international partnerships, and the advancement of Africa’s integration agenda.
Educational Background and Multilingual Prowess
Mahamoud Ali Youssouf is a well-educated leader with a strong foundation in management and international relations.
He earned a degree in Business Management from the University of Liverpool in 1988 before furthering his studies with a Master’s degree in Management from the Université Laval in Canada in 1995.
Beyond his academic credentials, Mahamoud is also a skilled linguist, fluent in five languages—French, English, Arabic, Afar, and Somali.
His linguistic versatility has been instrumental in his diplomatic engagements, enabling him to effectively communicate and negotiate with leaders across diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
The Race to the AUC Chairmanship
The battle for the African Union Commission’s top post was highly competitive, with Mahamoud Ali Youssouf facing off against Kenya’s Raila Odinga, a formidable political figure with extensive leadership experience.
Odinga initially led the race, winning the first two rounds of voting. However, as the election progressed, Mahamoud gained momentum, turning the tide in his favor.
In a dramatic finish, Mahamoud clinched victory in the seventh round of voting, securing the necessary threshold of 33 votes from the 49 member states that participated.
His win marks a significant moment for Djibouti, as he becomes the first candidate from the small Horn of Africa nation to assume the African Union’s most powerful leadership position.
Kenya’s bid for the AUC chairmanship was met with disappointment for the second time, following Amina Mohammed’s unsuccessful attempt in 2017.
Despite Odinga’s strong start, the final rounds of voting saw the odds shift, ultimately paving the way for Mahamoud’s triumph.
A New Era for the African Union
As he prepares to take over from Moussa Faki Mahamat, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf faces the enormous task of steering the African Union Commission through pressing continental challenges.
His leadership will be crucial in addressing issues such as economic integration, peace and security, governance, and Africa’s positioning in global geopolitics.
With decades of diplomatic experience, linguistic dexterity, and a deep understanding of international relations, Mahamoud is expected to bring a pragmatic and consensus-driven approach to the AUC.
His victory signals a new chapter for the African Union, one that will test his ability to unify the continent, navigate complex international partnerships, and push forward Africa’s development agenda.
As he assumes office, all eyes will be on Mahamoud Ali Youssouf to see how he shapes the African Union’s trajectory over the next four years.
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