Researcher: His anonymity was actually his advantage
Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf elected as head of the African Union Commission
The newly elected chairperson for the African Union Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf (centre) smiles after election results during the 38th African Union (AU) Summit, at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa on February 15, 2025. Few heads of diplomacy can boast the longevity of Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Djibouti's foreign minister since 2005. Photo: Amanuel Sileshi/AFP
“What sets Youssouf apart is that he is one of the longest serving foreign affairs ministers we have on this continent,” says Babatunde Fagbayibo, Professor of International Law at the University of Pretoria, South Africa, and NAI Associate at the Nordic Africa Institute.
Growing insecurity, interference from external powers, democratic backsliding and a wave of coups, are some of the greatest challenges currently facing the African Union (AU).
Fagbayibo, an expert on the AU's institutional development, speaks of “the three C’s” – Competition, Coordination and Competence – as key factors that will decide whether Youssouf is successful in his job, or not.
If Youssouf can use the growing global competition to Africa’s advantage, effectively coordinate institutions and actors so that Africa speaks with one voice, and mobilise the institutional competence needed to deal with challenges and secure funds, then he can lead the AU towards success, according to Fagbayibo.
Youssouf is set to officially assume office as Chairperson of the African Union on March 15 for a four-year term, succeeding Moussa Faki of Chad, who has held the position for the past eight years.