Djibouti’s Mahmoud Youssouf Elected AU Commissioner

Ethio Negari

Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf Elected African Union Commissioner, Defeating Kenya’s Raila Odinga

Djibouti’s seasoned diplomat Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has been elected as the new African Union (AU) Commissioner after securing a decisive victory over Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga.

The election, held during the 38th AU summit in Addis Ababa, concluded with Youssouf winning in the seventh round of voting, garnering 33 votes against Odinga’s 21.

The contest between the two candidates was closely watched across the continent, as both presented their strategic visions for the future of the AU Commission in a high-profile debate at the AU headquarters in December 2024.

The debate provided a platform for the contenders to outline their policies on regional integration, economic development, and security cooperation within the African Union.

According to AU regulations, a candidate must secure at least 32 votes to win the position. The election saw an intense and prolonged voting process, requiring seven rounds of secret balloting by African heads of state before Youssouf emerged victorious.

In the days leading up to the vote, speculation arose about Youssouf’s possible withdrawal from the race.

However, the Djiboutian presidency swiftly denied such claims, reaffirming his candidacy and commitment to the competition.

Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Djibouti’s long-serving foreign minister, is widely regarded as one of the most experienced diplomats in Africa and the Arab world.

He holds the distinction of being the dean of foreign ministers in the Arab and Islamic world, having served in the position since 2005. Fluent in Arabic, French, and English, Youssouf has played a pivotal role in shaping Djibouti’s foreign policy and strengthening its international partnerships.

Following his electoral triumph, Djiboutian diplomats and supporters celebrated his victory, marking a historic moment for the small but strategically significant Horn of Africa nation.

Youssouf will succeed Moussa Faki Mahamat, whose tenure as AU Commissioner concluded with the 38th AU summit after serving two terms spanning eight years.

As he takes office, Youssouf is expected to focus on pressing continental issues, including peace and security, economic development, and enhancing Africa’s role in global governance.

His election underscores Djibouti’s growing diplomatic influence within the AU and beyond.

Raila Odinga, a prominent figure in Kenyan politics and a key contender for the African Union Commissioner post, was defeated by Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.

Many Kenyans, along with supporters from other countries, had high expectations for Odinga’s victory, hoping that his leadership and political experience would bring transformative change to the AU Commission.

However, despite strong backing, he fell short in the final rounds of voting, marking a disappointing outcome for his supporters.