By HeapNews
The African Union (AU) has elected Mahmoud Ali Youssouf from Djibouti as the new Chairperson of the AU Commission, with Selma Malika Haddadi from Algeria serving as Deputy Chairperson. Their four-year mandates were confirmed during the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, held from February 15 to 16, 2025.
Youssouf, Djibouti’s long-serving Minister of Foreign Affairs, secured the position after defeating Raila Odinga (Kenya) and Richard Randriamandrato (Madagascar). “I am honored by this trust and commit to strengthening the AU’s role in global affairs,” Youssouf said in his acceptance speech.
His deputy, Haddadi, an Algerian diplomat and legal expert, takes over from Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa of Rwanda. She pledged to “ensure the AU Commission runs efficiently and serves Africa’s interests.”
The election also saw the appointment of new AU Commissioners, including:
- Amb. Bankole Adeoye (Nigeria) – Re-elected as Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security (PAPS)
- Moses Vilakati (Eswatini) – Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment (ARBE)
- Lerato Mataboge (South Africa) – Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy (I&E)
- Amb. Amma Twum-Amoah (Ghana) – Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development (HHS)
Elections for the Economic Development, Trade, and Mining and Education, Science, and Technology portfolios were postponed.
The AU Commission Chairperson serves as the CEO and chief representative of the AU, overseeing administration, policy coordination, and treaty management. Youssouf takes over from Moussa Faki Mahamat (Chad), who served two terms since 2017.
With a focus on peace, economic development, and continental unity, the newly elected leadership is set to steer the AU through key challenges in the next four years.