The African Union (AU) has chosen a new leader as conflicts continue in two of the continent’s largest nations. During its annual summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, leaders selected Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf to chair the African Union Commission. His election comes at a time when Africa faces serious political and security challenges.
Youssouf, who turned 60 last week, won against two strong candidates—Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Madagascar’s former Foreign Minister Richard Randriamandrato. The voting process took several rounds before Youssouf secured victory with 33 votes in the final round. He will replace Chad’s Moussa Faki Mahamat, who has completed his second term.
Youssouf has served as Djibouti’s foreign minister since 2005, making him the longest-serving diplomat in Africa. His extensive experience and strong diplomatic skills played a crucial role in his election. His win signals a new direction for the AU as it deals with conflicts and works to strengthen peace efforts.
Major Conflicts in Africa
Youssouf’s leadership begins at a critical time. One of the biggest issues is the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Africa’s second-largest country. Fighting has worsened after M23 rebels captured key areas in the eastern region. The group recently took control of Goma, a major city, and is now advancing toward Bukavu.
The Congolese government accuses Rwanda of supporting M23, but Rwanda denies any involvement. This crisis has drawn global attention, and AU leaders have urged an immediate ceasefire. They also called for the reopening of major roads and the Goma airport to allow aid to reach those in need.
Meanwhile, Sudan is also in turmoil. Ongoing fighting between rival groups has led to severe humanitarian issues. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who attended the AU summit, urged all sides in Sudan to stop fighting. He also called for more international support, appealing for $6 billion to help 26 million Sudanese in need of emergency aid.
Youssouf’s Vision for Africa
Before his election, Youssouf emphasized the importance of peace on the continent. He pledged to focus on “silencing the guns,” a term used for ending conflicts and promoting stability. He has promised to work closely with leaders to bring peace to war-torn areas.
His other key priority is reforming the AU. He wants to recruit highly skilled professionals to improve efficiency within the organization. “If you have good staff, it becomes easier to implement reforms,” he said in a past interview. He believes that a strong AU will help African nations address challenges more effectively.
New AU Chairperson
Along with Youssouf’s election, the AU also appointed a new chairperson. Angolan President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco will serve as the rotating chair, replacing Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani. Lourenco’s leadership is expected to bring fresh perspectives to the AU’s mission.
As Africa faces multiple challenges, the election of Youssouf brings hope for stronger leadership. His experience in diplomacy and commitment to peace may help guide the AU through this difficult period. The continent now watches closely to see how he will handle the pressing issues ahead.
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