Politics

Mahamoud Ali Youssouf Elected as AU Commission Chairperson

Mahamoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti has been elected Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission after a highly contested election that lasted five rounds on Saturday.

Youssouf secured victory in the fourth round, defeating Kenya’s Odinga Odinga, who was widely expected to win. His election marks the end of Moussa Faki Mahamat’s tenure, as the Chadian leader steps down after serving two consecutive four-year terms.

Observers were surprised by Odinga’s defeat, as he initially led in the first round. However, his momentum waned, even after the withdrawal of a third candidate from Madagascar. A key moment in the election came when Odinga used three of his allotted five minutes to discuss the history of Pan-Africanism and African solidarity, leaving little time to present his vision before the electronic timer cut him off.

In contrast, Youssouf delivered a compelling speech, securing 33 votes and ultimately swaying the majority. The 59-year-old has served as Djibouti’s foreign minister since 2005 and previously held the position of ambassador to Egypt. With a diplomatic career spanning three presidential administrations, Youssouf now takes on the challenge of leading the AU Commission into its next phase.

 

 

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1 Comment

  1. chinenye idika says:

    congrats to him

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