Djibouti has nominated Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf as its candidate for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson, joining Kenya’s Raila Odinga and Somalia’s Fawzia Adam in the race.
Youssouf, a seasoned diplomat fluent in multiple languages, aims to leverage his extensive experience in international relations to enhance the AUC’s effectiveness. READ FULL STORY
However, his candidacy has faced challenges, including Uganda’s President Museveni publicly endorsing Odinga instead.
The AUC elections are scheduled for February 2025, with significant regional political dynamics influencing the race.
Education
Youssouf holds a Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Laboratory Science from Amoud University, which provided him with a strong foundation in medical sciences and laboratory techniques.
In addition to his first degree, he earned another Bachelor’s degree in Climate Change Sustainability and Global Public Health from the University of Michigan.
The University of Michigan is a highly respected institution, and obtaining a degree from there demonstrates Youssouf’s ability to study abroad and engage with diverse perspectives.
Currently, he is enrolled in a Master’s degree program in Public Health Epidemiology at Amoud University.
This program focuses on the study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specified populations, as well as the application of this study to control health problems.
Career
Youssouf has had a distinguished diplomatic career spanning over three decades, during which he has held various positions and played a significant role in regional and international affairs.
His diplomatic career began in the 1990s when he worked in the Arab Affairs Department at Djibouti’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This early experience provided him with a solid foundation in diplomatic practices and an understanding of the dynamics within the Arab world, which has been valuable in his subsequent roles.
In 1997, Youssouf was appointed Ambassador to Egypt, a position he held until 2001.
As an ambassador, he would have been responsible for representing Djibouti’s interests in Egypt, fostering bilateral relations, and engaging with Egyptian officials and the broader diplomatic community.
This experience allowed him to hone his diplomatic skills and expand his network of contacts.
After his ambassadorial appointment, Youssouf returned to Djibouti and was appointed Minister-Delegate for International Cooperation in July 2001.
In this role, he would have been responsible for overseeing and coordinating Djibouti’s international development cooperation efforts, working with various partners and stakeholders.
In 2005, Youssouf was appointed as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, a position he has held for the past 19 years.
As Foreign Minister, he has been at the forefront of Djibouti’s foreign policy and has played a crucial role in shaping the country’s international relations.
His tenure has seen him engage in various regional and international forums, including chairing the 129th Ordinary Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Arab League in 2008.
Chances of winning AUC seat against Raila Odinga
Youssouf’s chances of winning against Raila for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson position appear strong due to several factors.
Youssouf’s extensive experience as Djibouti’s Foreign Minister for over two decades positions him as a seasoned diplomat, which enhances his credibility in the race.
Raila, although a prominent candidate with significant political backing from Kenya, faces challenges due to the competitive landscape, including Youssouf’s entry and support from Muslim-majority states, which could secure him nearly 20 votes from influential countries like Egypt and Algeria.
Additionally, Youssouf’s appeal to Francophone nations and his strategic alliances further bolster his position, potentially complicating Raila’s path to victory despite Kenya’s endorsements from several East African countries.
