Mahmoud Ali Youssouf was elected as Chairperson of the African Union Commission during the summit in Addis Ababa, succeeding Moussa Faki. Selma Malika Haddadi was appointed as Deputy Chairperson. Youssouf emphasized priorities on financial management and internal resource mobilization while facing numerous challenges, including political instability and conflicts across member states.
At the 38th ordinary summit held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on February 15, 2025, Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf was elected as the new Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) for a four-year term. He succeeds Moussa Faki of Chad, who held the position since 2017. Algeria’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Selma Malika Haddadi, was appointed as Deputy Chairperson, also in competitive ballots.
Youssouf’s election came after a marathon voting process, requiring seven rounds to secure the necessary 33 votes. He faced competition from Madagascar’s former Foreign Minister Richard Randriamandrato and Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga, who initially led in the first round. Haddadi also emerged victorious in her round, defeating candidates from Egypt and Morocco to take over Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa’s deputy position.
The election included the reappointment of key AUC Commissioners, including Nigeria’s Ambassador Bankole Adeoye for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, and Ghana’s Ambassador Amma Twum-Amoah for Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development. Youssouf brings a wealth of diplomatic experience, having served as Djibouti’s ambassador to Egypt under various administrations prior to his appointment as Foreign Minister in 2005.
In comments made previously, Youssouf indicated that if elected, his focus would be on financial management and governance, aiming to enhance the mobilization of internal resources. He expressed Djibouti’s reliability and capacity to foster stability and security on the continent at an event in Morocco last December.
As he assumes leadership, Youssouf faces a daunting array of challenges, including the internal strife within the African Union, which must confront global issues such as terrorism, governance crises, and climate change. Ongoing violent conflicts in multiple nations, along with military-led governance in several member states, underscore the urgency of robust leadership under his tenure.
In summary, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf’s election as the Chairperson of the African Union Commission marks a significant change in leadership as he and his Deputy, Selma Malika Haddadi, commence their terms amid pressing continental challenges. The focus on financial governance and stability will be crucial as they navigate the complex political landscape and strive toward the AUC’s objectives.
Original Source: gnnliberia.com
