Raila Odinga Misses Out On AU Chair As Djibouti’s Ali Youssouf Emerges Victorious
Djibouti’s Foreign Minister, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, emerged as the new Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission following a highly contested seventh-round vote at the 38th Ordinary Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on February 15, 2025.
The election was intense, with Kenya’s former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, taking an early lead in the initial rounds. However, after a prolonged battle for votes, Youssouf ultimately gained the backing of AU member states, securing a notable diplomatic win for Djibouti.
Throughout his campaign, Youssouf emphasized key priorities, including boosting youth employment, strengthening ties with the African diaspora, and fostering strong leadership to drive the AU’s vision forward.
“I will advocate for a collaborative and inclusive approach, celebrating diversity, merit, and skills. Promoting a culture of accountability and transparency will be essential. I will ensure compliance with financial and regulatory rules, along with rigorous accountability for our activities. Effective and accountable governance is key to strengthening our institutional foundations,” he stated.
With over three decades of experience in diplomacy and governance, Youssouf previously restructured Djibouti’s Foreign Ministry, establishing key directorates in communication, legal affairs, and diaspora engagement.
Results
- First Round: Odinga led with 20 votes, followed by Youssouf (18) and Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato (10).
- Second Round: Youssouf took the lead with 25 votes, Odinga followed with 21, and two countries abstained.
- Third Round: Odinga was eliminated with 21 votes, while Youssouf increased his tally to 26.
- Final Round: Youssouf secured 33 votes, surpassing the required majority to clinch the chairmanship.
