By our staff reporter

A senior diplomat and the foreign minister of Djibouti has stated that he is qualified to serve as the next head of the African Union Commission, provided certain conditions are met.

The continental organization is set to elect the Commission’s top leadership, including a new chairperson to succeed current politician and diplomat Moussa Faki Mahamat, during its upcoming ordinary summit in Addis Ababa, scheduled for mid-February next year.

According to the election’s interregional rotation, the eastern region will present candidates for the chairperson position, while the northern region will nominate candidates for the deputy chairperson role. Additionally, the central, southern, and western regions are expected to submit at least two candidates each for the six Commissioner portfolios.

Among the candidates for chairperson are former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, former Madagascar Foreign Minister Richard Randriamandrato, and Djiboutian Foreign Minister Mahamoud Ali Youssouf.

Mahamoud Ali Youssouf met with the media at the Djibouti Embassy the day before a debate at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa to outline his goals if elected chair of the AU Commission, an organization he has been familiar with for over thirty years.

The 59-year-old career diplomat stated that while the continent’s leaders will ultimately choose the best candidate, his extensive experience makes him uniquely qualified to lead the AU Commission for the next four years.

“I believe we should prioritize expertise in multilateral diplomacy,” he remarked.

When asked what distinguishes him as the right person to lead the continental organization, Ali Youssouf responded, “It is crucial for our leaders to recognize that I possess a deep understanding of the organization.”

“I stand out among the candidates because I have attended all of the African Union’s conferences and meetings for the past thirty years, and I continue to be actively engaged in diplomacy,” he added.

In February, he emphasized that the continent’s leaders would make a rational decision: “The most important thing is not my humble self; the most important thing is the opinion of our leaders, who will choose the best person to take on the responsibility of leading the commission—not for my sake, but for the sake of the continent.”

Ali Youssouf has served as a prominent diplomat for his nation for 20 of his 33 years of experience. “Today is the day of the youth and women on the continent,” he stated during a press conference on Thursday, December 12. He announced his candidacy for the chairperson of the AU Commission, aiming to provide leadership and vision that prioritizes the wellbeing of citizens, particularly women and youth.

Youssouf declared, “I will make a difference, especially in the sectors of peace, security, and stability, by working hard to improve coordination and synergy.”

He states, “If elected, I will ensure that coordination and synergy prevail in the international management of the commission, with transparency and accountability as the guiding principles of my leadership.”

He also expresses, “I will propose a specific methodology to our leaders, focusing on the continent’s top priorities and introducing innovative ideas.”

He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the implementation of decisions made by member states. 

“We make many decisions, but the implementation rate is very low,” he noted, referencing the African Union’s experience. He pointed out that the first ten-year plan, which concluded in 2024, had an execution rate of only 37%. “That rate needs to be increased and improved,” he added.

Furthermore, he highlighted that the digital revolution is a key aspect of his leadership approach. “I will ensure that youth and women are included at all levels of responsibility and decision-making within the African Union’s policy framework,” he stated.

Strategies for the Continent

The candidate acknowledged that achieving the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) will require a series of actions.

He emphasized, “We must recognize that there is a significant challenge regarding infrastructure if we want to create the conditions for the seamless movement of people and goods across borders.”

“We need infrastructure, including railways and roads, as well as the African open sky policy,” he said, highlighting the role of Ethiopian Airlines in enhancing connectivity across the continent.

“However, if the continent does not have enough airline companies operating throughout the region,” he continued, referencing the nearly 35 countries that have previously adopted the open sky policy.

“We need more continental carriers for our cargo, particularly air transport,” he added, noting that while Ethiopian Airlines is performing well, it may be the only carrier on the continent.

“Under my leadership, the new commission will work to address these obstacles to make the continent’s integration, development, and economic growth a reality,” he stated.

Regarding the bilateral meeting, he expressed that if elected, he would implement the Banjul Formula. This 2006 African Union (AU) decision aims to ensure effective representation and negotiation at bilateral summits between African nations and external partners.

The formula specifies that the AU will select 15 African leaders to attend summits, including the heads of the five regions of the continent. Additionally, the AU permits all leaders to participate in summits such as FOCAC and TICAD.

“We do not even adhere to that control formula, which is the issue. Therefore, we must focus on how we, as African Union members, respect and follow the laws we have established. If elected, we will make a concerted effort to uphold the laws we have personally supported,” he stated.

In addressing concerns about certain African governments demanding the withdrawal of foreign military forces, the candidate asserted that military cooperation is essential. He emphasized that Africa needs partnerships with states capable of providing military power, expertise, and other resources.

“Our ultimate objective is for Africa to achieve self-sufficiency in every aspect—economically, politically, and in terms of security. Independence is essential. If elected, I will work towards these goals. While I do not claim to have immediate solutions, I do grasp the continent’s strategic objectives,” he explained.

On the issue of landlocked nations accessing the sea, he noted that the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) explicitly guarantees free, predictable, and unrestricted access to the sea for these nations.

“We must make a concerted effort to ensure that landlocked countries have a legitimate right to access the sea, and this must be done within the framework of international law,” he continued.

He emphasized the importance of Ethiopia and Somalia resolving their differences in Ankara. “Djibouti also proposed an alternative to Ethiopia even before the declaration agreement in Ankara,” he added.