Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Youssouf Beats Raila to Win AUC Chair Race

Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has been elected as the new Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) after a closely contested election.

Youssouf has secured his position by achieving the necessary 33 votes in the final round, following the withdrawal of Kenya's Raila Odinga after the sixth round. The election unfolded over several rounds, characterized by fierce competition among candidates. Notably, Richard James Randriamandrato, the former Foreign Minister of Madagascar, was eliminated after the third round. Initial voting results reflected a competitive landscape, with Kenya leading with 20 votes in the first round, Djibouti closely behind with 19 votes, and Madagascar receiving 10 votes.

As the election continued, Youssouf gained momentum, overtaking his opponents by the third round and consolidating his lead. By the sixth round, Youssouf had amassed 26 votes, while Odinga garnered 22 votes. Faced with an increasingly challenging path to victory, Odinga chose to withdraw, paving the way for Youssouf to secure the two-thirds majority necessary in the final round. Youssouf’s election marks a significant shift in the dynamics of the African Union, positioning Djibouti to exert greater influence on the continental stage.

Analysts believe that Youssouf's extensive diplomatic experience and strategic vision will be crucial as the African Union embarks on its next developmental phase. As the newly appointed AUC Chairperson, Youssouf faces critical challenges, including addressing economic integration, enhancing peace and security, and fortifying governance structures within the union. Youssouf takes over from Moussa Faki, who completed two terms as head of the African Union.

Youssouf's term will span four years, with the potential for re-election, allowing him to serve a maximum of two terms, totalling eight years. Raila's strategy included extensive campaigning across the continent and accompanying the president on diplomatic missions that engaged other African leaders to rally support. This marks the second consecutive time Kenya has fallen short in its bid for leadership within the African Union.

In 2017, Kenya’s Amina Mohamed received 16 votes in the first round, while Moussa Faki garnered 14. The rest of the votes were distributed among other candidates. Ultimately, Faki was re-elected in the seventh round, achieving 38 votes and meeting the necessary threshold.