Mahmoud Ali Youssouf elected new Chairperson of the AUC after intense voting battle

Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, AUC Chairperson elect 

Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has been elected as the new Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) after a highly competitive voting process, defeating Kenya’s Raila Odinga and Madagascar’s Richard Mandriamandrato. Mahmoud is succeeding Maussa Faki Maof Chad who is the outgoing AUC Chairperson.

The race, held at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, saw several rounds of voting before Youssouf secured victory. Initially, Raila Odinga led in the first round with 20 votes, followed closely by Youssouf with 18 votes, while Mandriamandrato garnered 10 votes.

As the voting progressed, the numbers fluctuated. In the second round, Odinga slightly increased his lead to 22 votes, Youssouf secured 19, and Mandriamandrato trailed with 7 votes. However, in the third round, Youssouf gained momentum, taking the lead with 23 votes against Odinga’s 20, while Mandriamandrato received only 5 votes, with one abstention.

The competition tightened further in the fourth and fifth rounds. Youssouf maintained a slight edge with 26 votes against Odinga’s 21, while abstentions increased to two. By the sixth round, Youssouf clinched victory against Odinga, securing his position as the new AUC Chairperson.

Youssouf, Djibouti’s long-serving Foreign Affairs Minister, is expected to steer the African Union’s agenda with a focus on regional stability, economic growth, and stronger continental integration. His election marks a significant diplomatic win for Djibouti and signals a new era of leadership for the African Union.

As the new AUC Chairperson, Youssouf will face pressing continental challenges, including peace and security, economic transformation, and Africa’s role in global geopolitics. His tenure will also involve implementing key AU reforms and strengthening partnerships with global and regional institutions.

The election of Youssouf comes at a time when Africa is seeking to enhance its global influence, navigate geopolitical tensions, and accelerate the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). His leadership will be closely watched as he takes over from Moussa Faki Mahamat, who has led the commission since 2017.

Youssouf’s victory, following a tough contest with Odinga, highlights the dynamic political landscape of African diplomacy. With the African Union’s vision of unity and development, all eyes are now on the new Chairperson to see how he will shape the future of the continent.