Djibouti’s Mahmoud Youssouf beats Kenya’s Raila Odinga to chair the AU Commission in a vote that redefines continental diplomacy.
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – February 15, 2025 — In a major political shift at the 38th African Union (AU) Summit, Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf was elected Chairperson of the African Union Commission, defeating high-profile contenders including Kenya’s Raila Odinga and Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato.
Youssouf, 59, secured a decisive two-thirds majority vote. His victory comes at a time when Africa faces regional instability, economic inequality, and shifting global alliances.
📘 Related: Why Raila Odinga Lost the AU Chair Race
🔹 How Youssouf Won: Strategy Over Popularity
A seasoned diplomat since 2005, Youssouf has held several ambassadorial positions, including in Egypt. Despite being less globally visible than Odinga, his behind-the-scenes diplomacy and alliance-building proved more effective.
“His win over Odinga is a testament to strategic vote-building, not just résumé strength,” said a diplomat from IGAD.
Odinga’s continental reputation and Western backing may have fallen short due to changing political tides and Kenya’s internal dynamics.
🔹 Youssouf’s Agenda for the AU
In his inaugural address, Youssouf pledged to:
- Resolve conflicts in the DRC and the Sahel
- Reform AU hiring by emphasizing meritocracy
- Push for Africa’s permanent seat on the UN Security Council
📌 Explore: Africa’s Security Hotspots – The DRC and Beyond
“Silencing the guns and resolving internal conflicts must be our shared priority,” Youssouf declared.
🔹 Why Djibouti’s Win Is Significant
Despite its small size, Djibouti is geopolitically strategic—home to U.S., French, Chinese, and Japanese military bases, sitting at the crossroads of the Red Sea trade routes.
📘 Read: Djibouti’s Role in Red Sea Security
This victory elevates Djibouti’s continental stature and reinforces the Horn of Africa’s influence in global affairs.
🔹 Setback for Kenya and Raila Odinga
Raila Odinga‘s loss is a diplomatic blow to Kenya. Despite global support and strong credentials, he failed to galvanize enough AU member states.
Kenya may now reassess its multilateral strategies, especially after its notable role at the UN Security Council.
📘 Read: How Kenya Plans to Regroup After the AU Loss
🔹 Africa’s Role in Global Governance
All AU chair candidates campaigned on Africa’s demand for permanent UN representation. Youssouf is now expected to lead negotiations for UN reform.
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