Mahamoud Ali Youssouf is a distinguished diplomat and statesman, renowned for his extensive service as Djibouti’s longest-serving Foreign Minister. His illustrious career in international relations has now reached a new pinnacle as the Chairperson-elect of the African Union Commission (AUC), a position he secured on February 15, 2025, after a rigorous election process in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Youssouf’s journey into diplomacy began early in his career. He pursued higher education in linguistics, business, and management, studying in Lyon, France, Liverpool, United Kingdom, and Laval, France. In the 1990s, he wrote his thesis at the Free University of Brussels, refining his expertise in global affairs. His professional ascent started in Djibouti’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he led the Arab Affairs Department between 1992 and 1997. His diplomatic credentials were further strengthened when he served as Djibouti’s Ambassador to Egypt from 1997 to 2001.
In July 2001, Youssouf was appointed Minister-Delegate for International Cooperation, a role he held until May 22, 2005, when he was entrusted with the crucial portfolio of Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Over nearly two decades, he has been a steady force in Djibouti’s foreign policy, maintaining his position across different administrations. As an independent politician, he has consistently advocated for optimism and progress in Djibouti’s global standing.
Youssouf’s diplomatic influence extends beyond Djibouti, particularly in African and international affairs. In 2008, he chaired the 129th Ordinary Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Arab League. He has also played a crucial role in shaping policies across the Horn of Africa, fostering peace, stability, and regional cooperation. His engagements with international partners have been pivotal in strengthening Djibouti’s strategic economic positioning, an ambition he articulated in 2008 while speaking to The New York Times, likening Djibouti’s economic aspirations to Dubai’s success model.
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His candidacy for the Chairperson of the AUC in April 2024 reflected his vision for Africa’s security and self-reliance. Youssouf campaigned on a platform emphasizing the need for African nations to take the lead in addressing security challenges rather than relying on external interventions. He was particularly critical of the Peace and Security Council’s lack of proactivity and underscored the need for better funding of the AU Standby Forces. His candidacy was bolstered by endorsements, including support from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
On February 15, 2025, Youssouf emerged victorious in the highly contested election, defeating Kenya’s Raila Odinga and Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato after seven rounds of voting. His election marks a significant milestone in African diplomacy, setting the stage for his leadership in strengthening continental unity, enhancing security mechanisms, and driving Africa’s economic aspirations.
With a career rooted in diplomacy, economic strategy, and international cooperation, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf now stands at the helm of the African Union Commission, poised to shape the continent’s future with a vision of resilience, self-sufficiency, and progress.
