Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister has been elected as the new African Union Commission Chairperson after beating Kenya’s opposition politician Raila Odinga, who was his main rival in the race.
A sneak peek into Youssouf’s profile shows he’s a man who has been in the corridors of power for a long time serving as a foreign affairs minister since 2005.
He was born on September 2nd, 1965 in Djibouti, and pursued studies in linguistics, business, and management in the early 1990’s from several countries including Tunisia, France, United Kingdom, and Canada.
Yousouf then took on a role as Deputy Director of the Directorate for International Organisation in 1993-1995, and later the director of the Department for the Arab World between 1996 and 1997.
Yousouf took on an ambassadorial role in Egypt from 1997 to 2001. From 2001, he returned to Djibouti where he served as Minister Delegate for International Cooperation.
Before his nomination for the African Union Commission chairperson candidacy, he served as the country’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation from 2005 to date. He is also the Djibouti government spokesperson.
He has since retained this position although Djibouti has changed its presidents three times. He’s considered an independent politician and an optimist regarding Djibouti’s future.
With nearly two decades of experience in foreign affairs, Youssouf has played a crucial role in regional stability and international cooperation.
As Djibouti’s top diplomat, he has been instrumental in geopolitical negotiations and fostering peace in the Horn of Africa.
In 2023, he received the European Union award for his efforts in combating piracy off the coast of Somalia.
The skilled diplomat is fluent in five languages: French, English, Arabic, Afar, and Somali—enhancing his ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.
Education
Yousouf holds a Master’s degree in Management from the University of Laval, Canada – 1990.
Education Training Programme in Public Management from National School of Public Management, Canada – 1995.
The Oxford Examination in English as Foreign Language from Oxford University, Oxford -1989.
Certificate of Translation in English/France from Liverpool Business School, UK – 1988.
Proficiency Certificate in Arabic from Bourguiba Institute of Modern Languages, Tunis – 1988.
Memberships
Yousouf is a member of the following professional bodies: Honorary chairman of the Association for the Integrated Development of Mabla (ADIM) Honorary chairman of the Blood Donor Association and Honorary member of the Sanabil Al-Khair Association.
About the African Union Commission
The Commission is the Secretariat of the African Union entrusted with executive functions. It is composed of 10 Officials: A Chairperson, a Deputy Chairperson; Eight (8) Commissioners and Staff members. The structure represents the Union and protects its interest under the auspices of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government as well as the Executive Committee. The AU Commission is made up of Portfolios including; Peace and Security; Political Affairs; Trade and Industry; Infrastructure and Energy; Social Affairs; Rural Economy and Agriculture; Human Resources, Science and Technology; and Economic Affairs.