A significant leadership transition took place during the historic 38th African Union (AU) Summit in the vibrant heart of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, setting the stage for a new era in African governance. Djibouti’s distinguished Foreign Minister, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, has been elected as the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC). With an extensive track record steering Djibouti’s foreign affairs since 2005, Youssouf is poised to officially succeed Chad’s Moussa Faki Mahamat, embarking on a transformative four-year term beginning in March 2025.

The election process exemplified the AU’s commitment to transparency and democratic values. It was conducted via a secret ballot that upheld the integrity of the proceedings. Youssouf emerged triumphantly amidst fierce competition, surpassing prominent figures such as Raila Odinga, the former Prime Minister of Kenya, and Richard Randriamandrato, the former Foreign Minister of Madagascar. In a decisive seventh round of voting, he garnered an impressive 33 votes, exceeding the crucial two-thirds majority needed from the 49 eligible member states.

Youssouf’s ascendancy to leadership arrives at a pivotal moment for the African continent—one fraught with challenges such as political instability in West Africa and ongoing conflicts in regions like eastern Congo. As the new Chairperson of the AUC, Youssouf confronts the formidable task of addressing these pressing issues while championing unity, cooperation, and sustainable development across member states.

In his compelling acceptance speech, Youssouf articulated a visionary roadmap for Africa, emphasizing the critical importance of collective action and solidarity among nations in adversity. He underscored that comprehensive economic integration and the establishment of strong peace and security frameworks are vital for fostering long-term sustainable development throughout the region.

His election has been met with acclaim from international leaders and organizations, signaling robust support for his leadership and aspirations for the AU. Workneh Gebeyehu, the Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), was among the first to extend congratulations, expressing unwavering confidence in Youssouf’s capacity to elevate the AU to unprecedented heights and achieve meaningful outcomes.

As Youssouf prepares to assume his new responsibilities, the African Union and its member states have an invigorating sense of hope for a renewed dedication to addressing urgent continental challenges. Anticipation builds for a transformative approach under his leadership as they collectively navigate the complexities ahead. This journey promises to be both challenging and essential, paving the way for progress and advancement across the diverse tapestry of the African continent.

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