Mahmoud Ali Youssouf was elected as the chair of the African Union Commission on February 17, 2025. This decision was made during a summit focused on potential regional conflicts stemming from the DRC war. Youssouf has served as Djibouti’s foreign minister since 2005, contributing to his comprehensive diplomatic experience.
On February 17, 2025, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Djibouti’s foreign minister, was elected to chair the African Union (AU) Commission. His election occurred during a summit where leaders discussed heightened tensions regarding a potential escalation of conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The announcement came from Djibouti’s Minister of Economy and Finance, Ilyas Dawaleh, via a post on the social media platform X, confirming Youssouf’s success in securing this significant leadership role.
Youssouf has been serving as Djibouti’s foreign minister since 2005 and has a long history in diplomacy. He has also previously held the position of ambassador to Egypt and has served under three different presidential administrations in Djibouti. His extensive experience in foreign affairs positions him well for this new role within the African Union, particularly amid current geopolitical challenges.
Mahmoud Ali Youssouf’s election as chair of the African Union Commission underscores his longstanding commitment to diplomatic service. His leadership will be crucial as the AU navigates ongoing regional conflicts, especially concerning the DRC. This appointment not only highlights Djibouti’s influence in African politics but also reflects Youssouf’s significant experience in international relations.
Original Source: www.timeslive.co.za
