NAIROBI, Kenya – The African Union Commission (AUC) has a new boss, and his name is Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.
The long-serving Djibouti Foreign Minister outmaneuvered Kenya’s Raila Odinga in a fiercely contested election, securing the top spot in Africa’s most powerful diplomatic body.
But who exactly is Mahmoud Youssouf? How did he rise to power, and what does his leadership mean for the future of the African Union? Let’s break it down.
The Man Behind the Name: Mahmoud Ali Youssouf
Mahmoud Ali Youssouf is no newcomer to diplomacy.
With over two decades of experience as Djibouti’s Foreign Minister, he has been instrumental in shaping his country’s foreign relations, making it a critical player in global geopolitics.
Born in 1965, Youssouf built his career as a seasoned negotiator, fluent in French, English, and Arabic—a key asset in international diplomacy.
Under his leadership, Djibouti has positioned itself as a strategic hub, hosting military bases for the U.S., China, France, and other global powers.
His ability to navigate complex international relationships made him an ideal candidate for the AU’s top job, with Djibouti backing his bid as a leader who could bring “new life” to the continental body.
How He Won: The Race for the AU Chairmanship
Youssouf’s road to victory wasn’t an easy one. The contest initially seemed like Raila Odinga’s to lose, but strategic maneuvering and strong regional support helped Youssouf clinch the title.
The election, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, went through multiple rounds:
- Round 1: Odinga led with 22 votes, Youssouf trailed with 18, and Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato got 10.
- Round 2: Odinga held onto 20 votes, but Youssouf closed in with 18.
- Round 3: Youssouf overtook Odinga, securing 23 votes against the Kenyan leader’s 20.
- Round 4: Youssouf extended his lead to 25 votes, while Odinga fell further behind.
- Final Round: Youssouf sealed the deal with 33 votes, crossing the required two-thirds majority.
His win marks a historic moment for Djibouti, a small but influential country that has now cemented its place in African diplomacy.
His leadership style will be closely watched, especially after replacing Moussa Faki, who served as AU chair since 2017.
For Kenya, Odinga’s loss may sting, but Youssouf’s election signals a new chapter for AU diplomacy—one where smaller nations like Djibouti can rise to continental leadership.
Will Youssouf’s tenure be transformative, or will it follow the status quo? The next few years will tell.
