The newly elected African Union Commission Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has taken his oath of office with a promise to serve the continent “honestly and with dignity” over his four-year term.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony in Addis Ababa, the Djiboutian diplomat made a solemn commitment to transform the organisation’s effectiveness.
“”I have taken an oath to serve Africa honestly and with dignity for the next 4 years. A highly demanding mission.”
The reference to ending “conmanship” signals his intention to tackle corruption and improve governance within the continental body and its member states.
In a separate gratitude message post on his X page, he promised to “build a stronger, united, and prosperous continent”.
Thank you, Africa! Your trust and support have made this victory possible,” he said.
“Together, we will build a stronger, united, and prosperous continent. This is just the beginning let’s shape Africa’s future, hand in hand!”.
Youssouf’s victory came after six rounds of voting, in which he ultimately secured 33 votes, defeating Kenya’s Raila Odinga and Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato.
The new chairperson brings extensive diplomatic experience to the role, having served as Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister since 2015. His fluency in both French and Arabic helped secure support from Francophone nations and the Arab League.
The 59-year-old Youssouf succeeds Chad’s Moussa Faki Mahamat, who has led the Commission since 2017. He takes office at a challenging time for the continent, with ongoing conflicts in several regions and pressing economic development needs.
