Djibouti enters race for next AU Commission chairperson
Africa
By
Esther Nyambura and Agencies
| Apr 10, 2024
Djibouti Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf. [VOA]
As the deadline for applications approaches, the chances of Azimio chief Raila Odinga clinching the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson post have dropped with the entry of a third candidate.
On Tuesday, Djibouti nominated its Foreign Affairs Minister, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, to compete for the AUC chairmanship, introducing a new element to the race.
"The Republic of Djibouti officially announces the candidacy of its Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, for the post of President of the African Union Commission," read an official statement.
Youssouf joins Kenya's former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, and Somalia's former Deputy Prime Minister Fawzia Yusuf in the race to become the next AU Commission chairperson.
READ MORE
In east DR Congo, minors face systematic risk of sexual violence
M23 militia says will withdraw from key DRC city of Uvira
M23 consolidates control of DR Congo city, bodies in streets
What we know about M23's new advance in DR Congo
Haiti mission troops welcomed home, praised for bravery abroad
Rwanda set to reap peace dividends in Eastern DRC
Kenya, US sign Sh323.8 billion health aid agreement
Gender Identity: Pressure mounts on Parliament to pass National Intersex Persons Bill, 2023
How disputed SHA land, ghost project cost taxpayers Sh1.5 billion
His candidacy comes weeks after the AU Executive Council ratified a decision for Eastern Africa to produce the next chairperson.
Interested candidates must submit their applications by May of this year and should hold a Master's degree in various academic fields including Law, International Relations, Economics, Diplomacy, Management, Business Administration, Political Science, Social Sciences, or a closely related field from a recognized institution, among other qualifications.
According to the communique from Djibouti's Office of the President, Youssouf is a qualified candidate with over two decades of experience as Minister of Foreign Affairs of his country.
"With over two decades of experience as Foreign Affairs Minister of his country, which is recognized as a haven of peace and distinguished by its constant pursuit of conflict resolution through dialogue and negotiation, Mr. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf possesses all the attributes to meet the expectations and interests of the continent. He is fluent in French, English, and Arabic."
Successful candidates will replace the current AUC chair, Moussa Faki, whose term ended earlier this year.