Mahmoud Youssif and Malika Salma Haddadi were elected as Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson, respectively, during the African Union elections on February 16, 2025. Youssif will begin his term on March 15, succeeding Moussa Faki. The elections featured significant political maneuvering, with critiques of last-minute changes in support, and calls for unity among African nations amid ongoing regional crises.
The recent elections for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson were characterized by significant political maneuvering and strategic alliances during the summit held on February 16, 2025, in Addis Ababa. Mahmoud Youssif emerged victorious, accompanied by Deputy Chairperson Malika Salma Haddadi, both of whom were sworn in amid a plenary session of the General Assembly of African Heads of State and Government.
Mahmoud Youssif will officially begin his four-year term as Chairperson on March 15, succeeding Moussa Faki from Chad, who has served in this capacity for eight years. Following the announcement of the results, Djiboutian President Ismaïl Guelleh expressed a commitment to promoting cooperation and solidarity among African nations.
Deputy Chairperson Malika Salma Haddadi asserted that her election reflects Algeria’s rising role in African matters, claiming that “Algeria is the heart of Africa.” As Youssif prepares to assume his position, experts expect a challenging tenure due to escalating crises in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as ongoing issues of poverty and conflict affecting the continent.
Political dynamics shifted dramatically during the elections, particularly with Algeria’s criticism of Egypt regarding their last-minute decision to support a different candidate for Deputy Chairperson. An Algerian diplomat indicated that Egypt had initially promised to endorse Haddadi but later backed Hanan Morsi, who ultimately lost the election, leaving the Egyptian delegation visibly disappointed.
Kenyan candidate Raila Odinga acknowledged his defeat to Mahmoud Youssif, admitting the loss was disheartening as Kenya sought a diplomatic victory through the AU leadership. Following the election, Odinga expressed, “I am not happy with the outcome, but I will return to my country.” Kenyan President William Ruto echoed sentiments about the importance of elections in shaping Africa’s future, despite the loss.
Youssif’s path to victory included a remarkable rally from behind in earlier voting rounds, ultimately securing 33 votes in the final round against Odinga. Several nations, including Ethiopia, voiced their support for the newly elected AU Commission leaders, with Ethiopia’s Foreign Ministry committing to aid in advancing the continent’s agenda during their tenure.
The ongoing 38th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa highlighted critical regional conflicts, particularly in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, while reinforcing the overarching theme of pursuing justice for Africans and reparations for people of African descent.
The recent elections for the African Union Commission have resulted in Mahmoud Youssif and Malika Salma Haddadi taking prominent leadership roles, amid significant political shifts and alliances. The challenges facing the new leadership are considerable, particularly with ongoing conflicts in Sudan and the DRC. Overall, the election results underscore both the complexities of African politics and the aspirations of member countries for unity and progress.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
