Djibouti Minister Joins Race for AU Chairperson

GOOBJOOG NEWS: Djiouti has joined the race for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson after fronting its Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf as its candidate.

The entry of Djibouti now means member states in two key blocs in the Eastern Africa region will have to take sides ahead of the voting next year.

Youssouf is now the third person to show interest in the continental top post after Somalia’s former Foreign Affairs minister Fawzia Adam and Kenya’s opposition leader Raila Odinga.

“With over two decades of experience as Minister of Foreign Affairs of his country, a haven of peace distinguished by its constant pursuit of conflict resolution through dialogue and negotiation, Mr. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has all the qualities to meet the expectations and interests of the continent. He is fluent in French, English, and Arabic,” reads an official statement issued by the Djibouti.

Last month, the AU Executive Council ratified a decision to have Eastern Africa produce the next chairperson while the Deputy Chairperson to be elected from Northern Africa.

The elections to find the next occupant at the AU top job will take place in 2025 as Chad’s Moussa Faki, the current chairperson, will exit after his two-term tenure.