Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – February 2025 – Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Djibouti’s long-serving Foreign Minister, has been elected as the new Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) after a closely contested election at the 38th Ordinary Summit of the African Union (AU) in Addis Ababa. His victory, secured with 33 votes in the final round, marks a significant diplomatic achievement for Djibouti and signals a new chapter in the AU’s leadership.

The race for the AUC Chairpersonship was one of the most competitive in recent years, with Kenya, Djibouti, and Madagascar vying for the top position. The election was conducted in multiple rounds, reflecting the high stakes and regional interests involved.

Had he failed to secure 33 votes, the election would have been postponed for a year, leaving the AU without a permanent leader during a critical time for the continent.

Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has been Djibouti’s Foreign Minister since 2005, making him one of Africa’s longest-serving diplomats. Over the years, he has played a crucial role in regional diplomacy, conflict mediation, and Djibouti’s strategic positioning in the Horn of Africa.

As Foreign Minister, Youssouf has been instrumental in:

His election as AUC Chairperson signals continuity in the AU’s focus on regional security, economic integration, and institutional reforms.

Youssouf’s election is a diplomatic win for Djibouti, a small but strategically positioned country in the Horn of Africa. The victory also demonstrates the increasing influence of smaller nations within the AU, which has historically been dominated by larger powers like South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya.

His leadership comes at a crucial time when the AU is navigating:

With a wealth of diplomatic experience, Youssouf is expected to steer the AU through these complex issues while advocating for Africa’s position on the global stage.

His term as AUC Chairperson officially begins later this year, and the continent will be watching closely to see how he shapes the next phase of the African Union’s leadership and policy direction.