Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Djibouti’s long-serving Foreign Affairs Minister, recently made headlines after his victory in the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson elections. Youssouf, who defeated Kenya’s Raila Odinga in a tightly contested race, brings with him three decades of diplomatic experience and a vision to reshape Africa’s security and governance landscape.
Early Life and Education
Born on September 2, 1965, Youssouf completed his baccalaureate at Djibouti High School in 1985. He later pursued higher education in the United Kingdom, earning a degree in Business Management from the University of Liverpool in 1988. His academic journey extended to Canada, where he obtained a Master’s degree in Management from the University of Laval in 1990.
His commitment to continuous learning saw him complete various specialized programs, including:
- Education Training Programme in Public Management – National School of Public Management, Canada (1995)
- Oxford Examination in English as a Foreign Language – Oxford University, UK (1989)
- Certificate of Translation in English/French – Liverpool Business School, UK (1988)
- Proficiency Certificate in Arabic – Bourguiba Institute of Modern Languages, Tunisia (1998)
The Diplomatic Career
Youssouf’s diplomatic career began in the early 1990s when he joined Djibouti’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, heading the Arab Affairs Department. His dedication and expertise quickly propelled him to international assignments:
- Deputy Director, Directorate for International Organization (1993-1995)
- Director, Department for the Arab World (1996-1997)
- Ambassador to Egypt (1997-2001)
In 2001, Youssouf was appointed Minister Delegate for International Cooperation, a position he held until 2005 when he ascended to the role of Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. As Djibouti’s chief diplomat, he also served as the government spokesperson, navigating the country through complex regional dynamics in the Horn of Africa.
A Decisive Win in the AUC Elections
Youssouf’s election to the AUC chair was hard-fought, culminating in the seventh round of voting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The contest, which saw 49 heads of state participate, initially had Raila Odinga in the lead. However, Youssouf’s diplomatic experience and multilingual abilities—he is fluent in French, Arabic, and English—gave him an edge. French, a key language in international diplomacy, is widely spoken across Africa, particularly in Francophone nations, which rallied behind his candidacy.
Vision for Africa
During the ‘Mjadala Afrika’ debate held in December 2024, Youssouf outlined his ambitious vision for Africa, centered on self-reliance, peace, and security. He emphasized the need for African countries to take ownership of their security challenges, moving away from dependency on foreign powers.
“We have to be outspoken and frank. We make decisions at the Peace and Security Council level, but these resolutions are not implemented. This has to change,” Youssouf asserted during the debate.
His strategic plan includes:
- Strengthening the AU Peace and Security Council: Advocating for proactive rather than reactive measures.
- Mobilizing AU Standby Forces: Addressing the funding gaps that have hindered deployments in crisis situations.
- Promoting Continental Unity: Fostering stronger collaboration among member states to address shared challenges.
A Legacy of Service and Recognition
Youssouf’s contributions to diplomacy and governance extend beyond statecraft. He holds honorary positions in several philanthropic organizations, including:
- Honorary Chairman of the Association for the Integrated Development of Mabla (ADIM)
- Honorary Chairman of the Blood Donor Association
- Honorary Member of the Sanabil Al-Khair Association
His involvement in these initiatives reflects his broader commitment to social development alongside his diplomatic endeavors.
The Road Ahead
As the new AUC chairperson, Youssouf inherits a continent grappling with complex challenges such as armed conflicts, climate change, and economic disparities. His pragmatic approach to governance, coupled with his call for African-led solutions, positions him as a transformative figure in the AU’s quest for continental peace and prosperity.
Stay tuned to Nairobian for more updates on Africa’s political landscape and the leadership of Mahamoud Ali Youssouf.