In elections conducted on February 15, 2025, Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf defeated Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to become the new Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC).
The decisive vote took place during the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, marking a significant shift in the continent’s diplomatic landscape.
Youssouf’s victory, achieved after multiple voting rounds, underscores Djibouti’s rising influence within the African Union.
The election witnessed intense competition among three candidates Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Raila Odinga, and Madagascar’s former Foreign Minister Richard Randriamandrato.
Early rounds saw Odinga leading with 20 votes, but as the process advanced, Youssouf gained momentum. By the sixth round, Youssouf secured 26 votes to Odinga’s 22, leading to Odinga’s elimination under AU election rules.
In the final seventh round, Youssouf clinched the chairmanship with 33 votes.
This outcome marks a second setback for Kenya in its quest for the AUC leadership, following a previous defeat in 2017.
Despite intense campaigning and reported support from at least 21 countries, Odinga’s bid fell short.
The loss raises questions about Kenya’s diplomatic strategies and regional alliances within the AU framework.
Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, who has served as Djibouti’s Foreign Minister since 2005, brings extensive diplomatic experience to the AUC leadership.
His tenure is expected to focus on strengthening continental unity, addressing security challenges, and promoting economic integration.
Youssouf’s election reflects a strategic shift, highlighting the influence of smaller nations in shaping the African Union’s future direction.
