Gambiaj.com – (ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia) – Mahmoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti has been elected Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission after defeating Kenya’s Raila Odinga in the 2025 election held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The Gambia backed Odinga’s candidacy.

Kenya’s former Prime Minister led in the first two rounds, but Youssouf gained momentum in the final round, securing 33 votes against Odinga’s 22 during the AU Summit’s 38th Ordinary Session. This prompted Odinga to withdraw, enabling Youssouf to clinch the required two-thirds majority.

Youssouf, 59, has served as Djibouti’s foreign minister since 2005. Out of AU’s 49 voting member states, two abstained in the final round, with one maintaining its abstention throughout the secret ballot.

He will succeed Chad’s Moussa Faki Mahamat for a four-year term, inheriting a leadership role amid challenges such as youth unemployment, terrorism, and recurring military coups in the Sahel region.

The summit also saw the election of Algeria’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Selma Malika, as AU Commission Deputy Chairperson. She will replace Rwanda’s Monique Nsanzabaganwa.

The AU celebrated Malika’s victory in a tweet, stating: “Congratulations to H.E. Selma Malika [Algeria] on her election as incoming AUC deputy chairperson. Your victory is a reflection of the trust and confidence placed in your leadership, vision, and dedication to serving the people.”