Djiboutian Foreign Minister Mahamoud Ali Youssouf has been elected as the new Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, succeeding Moussa Faki Mahamat. This election marks a pivotal moment in the leadership of the AU, with Algerian diplomat Selma Haddadi appointed as the Deputy Chairperson.
During the 38th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government, held in Addis Ababa, Youssouf emerged victorious in a closely contested leadership race against Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Madagascar’s former Foreign Affairs Minister Richard Randriamandrato. His appointment signals a continuation of efforts to strengthen the AU’s institutional framework while addressing pressing continental challenges.
Youssouf, 59, brings a wealth of experience spanning over three decades in diplomacy and governance. He will serve a four-year term, renewable once, as he takes over from Faki, the former Chadian Prime Minister who has held the post for the past eight years. His extensive career includes key diplomatic roles that have shaped Djibouti’s foreign policy and strengthened its influence in regional and global affairs.
Born in February 1965, Youssouf’s academic credentials are as impressive as his diplomatic achievements. He holds a master’s degree in management from the University of Laval in Canada and has participated in a specialised educational training programme in public management. His linguistic proficiency is another significant asset, as he is fluent in French, English, Arabic, Afar, and Somali—three of which are official working languages of the AU, allowing him to engage effectively in diverse diplomatic settings. By the age of 25, he had already completed the Oxford Examination in English as a Foreign Language, earned an English-French translation certificate, and attained a proficiency certificate in Arabic.
A key highlight of Youssouf’s career is the establishment of the Diplomatic Studies Institute, a training centre for Djiboutian diplomats. His 44-page résumé, presented during the AU selection process, underscores his extensive contributions to foreign policy and governance.
Since 2005, Youssouf has served as Djibouti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, as well as the government’s spokesperson. Prior to this, between 2001 and 2005, he held the position of Minister Delegate for International Cooperation. His earlier career saw him serve as Djibouti’s plenipotentiary and extraordinary ambassador to Egypt and as its permanent representative to the League of Arab States. Simultaneously, he worked as a non-resident ambassador plenipotentiary and extraordinary to Sudan, Lebanon, Syria, and Turkey. From 1996 to 1997, he was Director of the Department of the Arab World, working to promote bilateral ties between Djibouti and Arab countries. Earlier, between 1993 and 1995, he was Deputy Director of the Directorate for International Organizations in the Foreign Ministry.
Beyond his diplomatic roles, Youssouf has been a significant political figure in Djibouti’s ruling party, the Rassemblement Populaire pour le Progrès, where he has served as a member of the Executive Committee and Deputy General Secretary since 2015. He was also elected to the National Assembly in 2023.
As he takes on the leadership of the AU Commission, Youssouf has outlined his vision for Africa’s integration, prosperity, and peace. In his official statement following the election, he emphasised his commitment to strengthening the institutional capacity of the AU, promoting democracy and good governance, and intensifying efforts to resolve conflicts and promote stability across the continent.
His appointment comes at a critical juncture for the AU, as the organisation grapples with challenges ranging from regional conflicts to economic integration efforts under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Given his diplomatic experience and linguistic dexterity, Youssouf’s leadership is expected to bring renewed focus to these pressing issues while fostering greater unity among African nations.
Married to Faiza Abdullah, Youssouf balances his extensive diplomatic career with personal commitments. As he embarks on this new journey at the helm of the AU Commission, all eyes will be on his ability to navigate the complex political landscape of the continent and steer Africa towards a future of enhanced cooperation and development.
