ABN NEWS
Djibouti’s Foreign Minister, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, has been elected as the new Chairperson of the African Union Commission during the AU summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Youssouf, who has served as Djibouti’s foreign minister since 2005, will succeed Moussa Faki of Chad and is set to begin his four-year term in March 2025.
In the election, Youssouf defeated notable candidates including Raila Odinga, a former prime minister of Kenya, and Richard Randriamandrato, an ex-foreign minister of Madagascar. The election process extended over seven rounds of voting before Youssouf secured the position.
Youssouf’s diplomatic career includes serving as Djibouti’s ambassador to Egypt prior to his long tenure as foreign minister. As the new Chairperson, he will face pressing challenges such as addressing military juntas in West Africa and managing violent conflicts in regions like eastern Congo.
The African Union Commission’s Chairperson plays a pivotal role in shaping the continent’s policies and addressing its diverse challenges. Youssouf’s extensive experience in diplomacy is expected to influence his approach to these responsibilities.
