In a nail-biting seventh-round vote, Djibouti’s Foreign Minister, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, has emerged victorious as the new Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission.
The election, held at the 38th Ordinary Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Saturday, February 15, 2025, was a testament to Youssouf’s diplomatic prowess and Djibouti’s growing influence on the African continent.
Youssouf’s win marks a significant milestone for Djibouti, a small but strategic country in the Horn of Africa. With a rich history dating back to the 19th century, Djibouti has long played a crucial role in regional politics and trade.
Youssouf’s election is a culmination of Djibouti’s efforts to assert its presence on the international stage.
A seasoned diplomat with over three decades of experience, Youssouf has a proven track record of leadership and governance.
Prior to his election, he served as Djibouti’s Foreign Minister, where he restructured the country’s Foreign Ministry, establishing key directorates in communication, legal affairs, and diaspora engagement.
During his campaign, Youssouf pledged to prioritize youth employment, the African diaspora, and strong leadership to advance the AU’s mission.
His vision for a collaborative and inclusive approach, celebrating diversity, merit, and skills, resonated with AU member states.
The election itself was a thrilling spectacle, with Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga initially leading in the early rounds.
However, Youssouf’s persistence and strategic maneuvering ultimately paid off, as he secured the support of AU member states in the final round.
The results of the election were as follows:
– First Round: Odinga led with 20 votes, followed by Youssouf (18) and Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato (10).
– Second Round: Youssouf took the lead with 25 votes, Odinga followed with 21, and two countries abstained.
– Third Round: Odinga was eliminated with 21 votes, while Youssouf increased his tally to 26.
– Final Round: Youssouf secured 33 votes, surpassing the required majority to clinch the chairmanship.
-BY Issah Olegor
