Mahmoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti won the AU Commission chairmanship against Kenya’s Raila Odinga, securing 33 votes necessary for a two-thirds majority. Youssouf succeeds Moussa Faki Mahamat and will tackle key challenges such as youth unemployment and terrorism. Selma Malika of Algeria was elected Deputy Chairperson. Political dynamics across Africa continue, with various developments impacting governance and electoral processes.
Mahmoud Ali Youssouf from Djibouti has triumphed over Kenya’s Raila Odinga to secure the chairmanship of the African Union (AU) Commission during the elections held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 2025. Youssouf, aged 59 and serving as Djibouti’s foreign minister since 2005, received 33 votes, thus achieving the two-thirds majority necessary for victory. He will replace former AU chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat of Chad for a four-year term.
Furthermore, Selma Malika of Algeria has been elected as the Deputy Chairperson of the AU. The AU announced her victory via Twitter, stating, “Congratulations to H.E. Selma Malika [Algeria] on her election as incoming AUC Deputy Chairperson. Your victory is a reflection of the trust and confidence placed in your leadership, vision, and dedication to serving the people.”
Youssouf begins his term amidst significant challenges facing the African continent, including youth unemployment, terrorism threats, and political instability marked by sporadic military coups, particularly within the Sahel region. His leadership will be critical in addressing these pressing issues over the next four years and moving the AU forward.
In addition to his election, ongoing political matters are manifesting elsewhere in Africa. The Nigerian government has urged stakeholders to enhance agroecology practices through improved financing strategies. In the political arena, the Katsina youths have committed to delivering over two million votes for Atiku, emphasizing its significance as his political stronghold.
The Plateau State government has reported the completion of 49 abandoned road projects, which aims to uplift the infrastructure in Jos and Bukuru metropolitan areas. In Osun State, political disagreements continue to unfold as the APM recently withdrew from council polls, citing a lack of transparency by the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission.
As these developments progress, the dynamics within African governance continue to evolve, highlighting both achievements and challenges in the pursuit of stability and growth across the continent.
The election of Mahmoud Ali Youssouf as the AU Commission Chairperson and Selma Malika as Deputy Chairperson marks a significant moment for leadership in the African Union. As Youssouf embarks on his term, he faces substantial challenges that require immediate attention. Moreover, other political developments across Africa reflect ongoing dynamics that affect governance, stability, and electoral processes, emphasizing the complex landscape of the continent’s future.
Original Source: gazettengr.com
