Mahmoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti was elected Chairperson of the African Union Commission during the 38th Ordinary Session in Addis Ababa. He defeated Raila Odinga of Kenya and Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar. Youssouf, the longest-serving foreign minister in Africa, will serve a four-year term, while Selma Haddadi of Algeria was elected Deputy Chairperson. Kenyan President William Ruto expressed support for the new leaders.
Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Djibouti’s Foreign Minister, has been elected as the Chairperson of the African Union Commission. This election took place during the 38th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Mr. Youssouf won against notable candidates including Raila Odinga, former Prime Minister of Kenya, and Richard Randriamandrato, ex-Foreign Minister of Madagascar.
As the new Chairperson, Mr. Youssouf will serve a four-year term, succeeding Moussa Faki from Chad. He holds the distinction of being the longest-serving foreign minister in Africa, having been in office since 2005. Additionally, the summit elected Selma Haddadi from Algeria as the Deputy Chairperson of the AU Commission.
The summit included representatives from all 55 AU Member States, except for six nations that are currently suspended from membership. Following the election results, Kenyan President William Ruto expressed gratitude for Raila Odinga’s candidacy, stating Kenya remains supportive of the newly elected leadership.
President Ruto remarked on the importance of Mr. Odinga’s vision for the African Union and extended congratulations to both Mr. Youssouf and Madam Haddadi. He affirmed Kenya’s commitment to assist them in progressing the AU Commission’s agenda.
In summary, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf’s election represents a significant leadership change within the African Union Commission. His long tenure in diplomacy positions him favorably to influence the direction of the AU. Meanwhile, Kenya expresses its support for Youssouf’s leadership along with the newly appointed Deputy Chairperson, reflecting ongoing collaboration among African nations.
Original Source: www.myjoyonline.com
