Djibouti’s Mahamoud Ali Youssouf: A Strong Contender for African Union Commission Chairmanship

In the upcoming election for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship, Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mahamoud Ali Youssouf has emerged as a formidable candidate.

With his extensive diplomatic experience and multilingual skills, Youssouf is positioning himself as a unifying force for the continent.

A Diplomatic Career Spanning Decades

Born on September 2, 1965, in Djibouti City, Youssouf’s journey in international relations began early. After completing his basic education in Djibouti, he pursued higher studies abroad, focusing on Linguistics, Business, and Management.

His educational path took him to Canada, France, and the United Kingdom, equipping him with a global perspective.

Youssouf’s diplomatic career highlights include:

– 1992-1997: Head of Arab Affairs at Djibouti’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs
– 1997-2001: Djibouti’s Ambassador to Egypt
– 2001: Minister Delegate in Charge of International Cooperation
– Current: Foreign Affairs Minister of Djibouti

This wealth of experience has made Youssouf a respected figure in diplomatic circles across Africa and beyond.

A Vision for African Unity

As a candidate for the AUC chairmanship, Youssouf has outlined several key priorities:

1. Reforming the AU with a focus on personnel, funding, and task division
2. Realizing continental free trade
3. Promoting peace and security
4. Developing a common market for air transport
5. Strengthening AU relationships with other international bodies

Youssouf’s multilingual abilities—he is fluent in English, French, and Arabic—position him as a candidate capable of bridging gaps between different regions of Africa.

Endorsements and Support

In a significant boost to his campaign, Youssouf recently secured the endorsement of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

The OIC’s 50th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers unanimously adopted a resolution supporting his candidacy, demonstrating his appeal across various international platforms.

The Road Ahead

The election for the AUC chairmanship is scheduled for February 2025, where African heads of state will cast their votes by secret ballot. To secure the position, a candidate must obtain two-thirds of the votes.

While Youssouf is considered a strong contender, he faces competition from other prominent figures, including Kenya’s Raila Odinga. The race promises to be closely watched across the continent and beyond.

As Africa looks towards its future, the choice of the next AUC chairperson will play a crucial role in shaping the continent’s trajectory. With his extensive experience and vision for unity, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf presents himself as a candidate ready to lead Africa into a new era of cooperation and development.