Mahmoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti defeated Raila Odinga to clinch the African Union chairmanship at the AU Commission 2025 election in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.

“Congratulations to H.E. Mahamoud Ali Youssouf-Djibouti on his election as the incoming African Union chairperson. May his term bring progress, unity, and sustainability, advancing #Agenda2063 as we build #TheAfricaWeWant,” the AU tweeted on Saturday.

Mr Youssouf, 59, who has been Djibouti’s foreign minister since 2005, polled 33 votes to garner a two-thirds majority required to win the seat.

He will succeed former chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat of Chad for four years. His administration kicks off amid numerous challenges facing the continent, ranging from youth unemployment, terrorism and intermittent military coups in the Sahel region.

Similarly, Selma Malika of Algeria emerged as the AU deputy chairperson during the elections.

Announcing her victory in a tweet, AU said, “Congratulations to H.E. Selma Malika [Algeria] on her election as incoming AUC deputy chairperson. Your victory is a reflection of the trust and confidence placed in your leadership, vision, and dedication to serving the people.”