Story by Gilbert Borketey Boyefio
The President of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), H.E. Chief Fortune Charumbira, has congratulated the new leadership of the African Union Commission headed by H.E. Mahamoud Ali Youssouf as Chairperson and H.E. Ambassador Selma Malika Haddadi as Deputy Chairperson.
According to the PAP President, “The election of the new leadership is expected to herald a new chapter in the African Union’s quest for Pan-African integration, peace, and prosperity. Both leaders assume these pivotal roles at a time when the African Union is undertaking significant reforms aimed at enhancing effectiveness, efficiency, and cooperation across the continent.
The Pan-African Parliament, as the legislative consultative body of the AU, has promised to support the new AUC leadership in advancing the AU’s Agenda 2063, by fostering solidarity among member states, upholding democratic values, and championing the aspirations of African citizens. The PAP has pledged to work in tandem with the Commission to build a continent that is truly self-reliant and influential on the global stage.
On 15 February 2025, Youssouf was elected as the Chairperson of the African Union, succeeding Chadian Moussa Faki. The election, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, was decided by Member States of the African Union after seven rounds of voting, in which he defeated Kenya’s Raila Odinga and Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato.
Djibouti nominated Youssouf as their candidate for the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) in April 2024. Youssouf considered peace and security his top priority. In the AUC Chair candidates’ debate, Youssouf stated that African countries should lead the way in dealing with security issues and should stop depending on other nations. He also criticized the Peace and Security Council for not being proactive enough, and noted that the AU Standby Forces were rarely utilized due to funding issues. He was endorsed by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
