Djibouti’s Foreign Minister, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has emerged as the new Chairperson of the African Union Commission, defeating Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Madagascar’s ex-Foreign Minister Richard Randriamandrato.
Youssouf’s victory signals a shift in AU leadership, with a renewed focus on regional security, economic integration, and diplomatic cohesion. “Africa must unite beyond linguistic and cultural differences to tackle its shared challenges,” he said in his acceptance speech.
His leadership comes at a critical time, as the continent grapples with economic instability, security threats, and geopolitical shifts. The AU faces increasing pressure to address insurgencies in the Sahel, political instability in West Africa, and economic fragmentation across member states.
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Djibouti, a key maritime hub, has positioned itself as a strategic player in African geopolitics. Analysts believe Youssouf’s experience will help shape AU policies on foreign relations and intra-African trade. His tenure will also test the AU’s commitment to enforcing democratic principles amid a rise in military coups across Africa.
With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) gaining traction, Youssouf has pledged to accelerate integration efforts. “Our economies are stronger together. We must prioritize economic self-reliance,” he stated.
His election marks a historic win for Djibouti, a nation of just one million people, now poised to shape the AU’s future agenda.
