In a closely contested election during the African Union (AU) summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Djibouti’s Foreign Minister, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, was elected as the new Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), defeating Kenya’s former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, and Madagascar’s ex-Foreign Minister, Richard Randriamandrato.
The election, held on February 15, 2025, saw Youssouf secure the position after multiple voting rounds. Odinga was eliminated in the sixth round, trailing behind Youssouf in the preceding rounds.
Odinga, 80, a prominent figure in Kenyan politics with a career spanning over three decades, had aimed to crown his public service by leading the AUC. His campaign faced challenges, including shifting allegiances among member states and Kenya’s diplomatic strategies.
Youssouf, who has served as Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister since 2005, will assume a four-year term, succeeding Moussa Faki of Chad. His leadership comes at a time when the AU faces pressing issues, such as military coups in West Africa and ongoing conflicts in regions like eastern Congo.
This development highlights the intricate dynamics of African diplomacy and the challenges nations face in securing leadership positions within continental organizations.
For more insights into Raila Odinga’s response to the election outcome, watch the following video:
