Ethiopian Informer
ADDIS ABABA (EI): The 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly of the Heads of State and Government on Saturday elected new leaderships to the AU Commission (AUC).
The AU assembly elected Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, as the incoming AUC chairperson, while Selma Haddadi, Algerian ambassador to Ethiopia, was elected as the deputy chair.
Youssouf, elected for the 2025-2028 term, will succeed Moussa Faki Mahamat, the outgoing chair and former Chadian prime minister, who has completed his two-term, eight-year tenure leading the 55-member continental bloc.
Djibouti’s foreign minister secured victory over Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Madagascar’s former Foreign Affairs Minister Richard Randriamandrato.
In his vision statement ahead of the election, Youssouf expressed his ambition of building an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful continent, guided by the values of diversity, gender equality, transparency and integrity.
“Inspired by Agenda 2063 and its second ten-year plan, I am committed to pursuing institutional reforms to achieve our common goals. My leadership will focus on governance, democracy, peace, security, economic and social development, infrastructure, the environment, youth, gender equality, the African diaspora, and Africa’s position on the international stage,” Youssouf said.
He pledged to provide clear and determined leadership to advance the AU’s mission, and strengthen the AU’s institutional capacity as a fundamental tool to realizing continental aspirations. He further vowed to encourage policies that facilitate a transition to a green economy, and support initiatives that promote education, employment and entrepreneurship policies to unlock the continent’s burgeoning youthful population.
Acknowledging the crucial need to ensure peace and security as an essential prerequisite to advance Africa’s sustainable development, he pledged to center the AU’s activities in advance good-governance and democracy across the continent.
“I am convinced that we can turn this vision into reality, making Africa a beacon of hope and progress. Together, we can overcome challenges and build a better future for all Africans, placing our continent at the centre of global transformation. Let us unite for a future where every African citizen achieves their full potential in an environment of peace, prosperity, and dignity,” he said, as pledged to augment Africa’s representation on the international stage.
Following his election by African leaders, the incoming AUC chief said: “The decision of our African heads of state has been made—they have entrusted me with the task of leading the AUC. This is a very heavy responsibility, and I am aware of its importance. I am committed to working to advance the continental agenda.”
As the incoming deputy chair, Haddadi will succeed Monique Nsanzabaganwa, the outgoing deputy chair and Rwanda’s former Minister of Trade and Industry, who was elected to the role in March 2021.
The Algerian diplomat, who secured victory over five other candidates from the Northern Africa region, expressed her resolve to bring new energy and improved management to the AUC, aiming to unleash Africa’s full potential.
She emphasized the importance of “fresh and innovative energy in unlocking Africa’s vast potential through the best use of its human capital resources, as part of providing African solutions to African problems.”
She pledged to leverage new ideas to overcome current and new challenges, and seize “every possible opportunity” to boost collaborative endeavors towards driving the transformative vision of Agenda 2063, the AU’s 50-year continental development blueprint.
She further emphasized her commitment to fostering unity and solidarity to amplify Africa’s voice and leadership in international fora, including the Group of 20 (G20).
Ahead of the leaders’ summit, African foreign ministers also elected several commissioners at the 46th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council that was held from February 12-13. Bankole Adeoye of Nigeria was re-elected as the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security; while Eswatini’s Moses Vilakati was appointed to lead the Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment portfolio.
Additionally, Ghana’s Amma Twum-Amoah was elected as the Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development; and Lerato Mataboge of South Africa was elected as the Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy. The AU also announced that elections for two commissioner positions have been postponed. As a result, the incumbent Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry, and Mining, Albert Muchanga; along with Mohammed Belhocine, the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (ESTI), will remain in their roles until the elections are held.
