Djibouti has endorsed Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf as its candidate for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson, positioning him alongside Kenya’s Raila Odinga as the East African contenders in the race.
The Djibouti government highlighted Youssouf’s extensive diplomatic experience, emphasizing that it made him a strong contender for the position. He has three decades of experience in international relations and diplomacy, and is fluent in French, English, and Arabic, which he aims to leverage to enhance the AUC’s effectiveness.
He has been presented as the strongest challenger to Raila Odinga but has encountered some setbacks, such as Odinga’s endorsement by the majority of East African presidents. Additionally, Somalia’s candidate Yawzia Yusuf Adam withdrew following her government’s request to support Youssouf’s bid but chose to back Odinga instead.
The AUC’s Chairperson election will be held in February 2025 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during the African Union Summit.
Education
Youssouf’s strong academic credentials set him apart from other candidates, with two degrees already earned and a current pursuit of a Master’s degree.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Laboratory Science from Amoud University, which has equipped him with a solid foundation in medical sciences and laboratory techniques.
His additional Bachelor’s degree is in Climate Change Sustainability and Global Public Health, earned from the prestigious University of Michigan in the United States.
He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Health Epidemiology at Amoud University. This program emphasizes studying the distribution and determinants of health-related conditions within populations and applying this knowledge to control health issues.
Career
Youssouf boasts a distinguished diplomatic career spanning more than thirty years, during which he has held various government positions and made significant contributions to both regional and international affairs.
He started his diplomatic career in the 1990s at Djibouti’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, working in the Arab Affairs Department. This role introduced him to the diplomatic realm and helped him develop a deep understanding of the governing dynamics within the Arab world.
He advanced through the ranks and was appointed Ambassador to Egypt in 1997, a position he held until 2001.
In this role, he refined his diplomatic skills by representing Djibouti’s interests in Egypt, enhancing bilateral relations, and engaging with Egyptian officials and the broader diplomatic community.
In July 2001, he was appointed Minister-Delegate for International Cooperation, where he was tasked with overseeing and coordinating Djibouti’s international development efforts through partnerships with various stakeholders.
In 2005, Youssouf was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, a position he has held for the past 19 years.
In his role as Foreign Minister, he has been instrumental in guiding Djibouti’s foreign policy and significantly influencing the country’s international relations.
During his tenure, he has actively participated in numerous regional and international forums, including chairing the 129th Ordinary Session of the Arab League Council of Foreign Ministers in 2008.
Why He is Raila’s Leading Competitor
Following his illustrious diplomatic career, experts believe he has a strong chance of winning the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson position against Raila, as his extensive credibility is a significant asset.
With backing from Muslim-majority states, Youssouf could gain nearly 20 votes from influential countries like Egypt and Algeria, potentially giving him a decisive advantage over Raila.
Moreover, Youssouf’s command of French enhances his appeal to Francophone nations, further solidifying his position through strategic alliances. Meanwhile, Raila must overcome the challenge of securing support from these countries, despite receiving endorsements from several East African nations.
