Mahmoud Youssouf officially takes over as AUC chairperson

New AUC Chairperson Mahmoud Youssouf (left) and outgoing chir Moussa Faki Mahamat (right) at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. [AU, via X]

Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has officially assumed office as the new African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson, taking over from outgoing chair Moussa Faki Mahamat of Chad.

Expressing optimism about his tenure during a handover ceremony in Addis Ababa on Thursday, March 13, Youssouf pledged to work for the African continent and urged member states to reduce reliance on foreign aid.

"Africa has to take its destiny in its own hands and to stand up as a determined continent capable on weighing in on global solutions and giving suggestion on global challenges," said the new chair.

He highlighted the need for financial independence, saying, ''We have to look at our financing of organisations; depending on our partners is not the way to go. The African Union cannot continue to have a highly bureaucratic system. We have to be very agile and capable of meeting our challenges,

In his farewell address, Mahamat assured Youssouf of his support and encouraged him to pursue new ideas.

"We have done what we could, despite challenges, mistakes, and inadequacies, but I believe you will go beyond. It is up to you to think of new positions and implement what we could not."

"We will remain committed to contributing, even from afar. I wish you success in this role," he added.

Youssouf won the AUC chairmanship with 33 votes, defeating Kenya's former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Madagascar's Richard Randriamandrato.

He replaces Mahamat, who held the position for eight years.

Also present at the ceremony were the AU Chairperson and Angola President Manuel Lorenco and Ethiopia's Taye Selassie.