Mahamoud Youssouf, Djibouti’s foreign minister has been elected as the new chairman of African Union (AU) Commission.
Youssouf won the election after seven rounds of voting by the union’s 49 member states.
The foreign minister won the election with 33 votes in the final voting round, achieving the required two-thirds.
Other contestants for the position included Raila Odinga, Kenya’s former prime minister, and Richard Randriamandrato, Madagascar’s ex-economy and finance and foreign affairs minister.
Youssouf replaces Moussa Faki of Chad, who has held the AU chairman position for eight years.
Leaders across the continent have congratulated Youssouf, expressing hope that his tenure will foster progress, unity, and sustainability in line with Agenda 2063.
“May his leadership steer Africa toward greater integration and prosperity,” a regional diplomat said.
