The African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship election concluded on February 15, 2025. Held during the 38th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, it was a defining moment for Africa’s leadership. Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga, one of the frontrunners, was narrowly eliminated in the sixth round of voting. Meanwhile, Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf emerged victorious, becoming the seventh AUC Chairperson since the commission’s establishment in 2002.
Raila Odinga’s elimination marks Kenya’s second loss in its bid to lead the continental body. This follows Amina Mohamed’s defeat in 2017. Youssouf, backed by Djibouti and Egypt, will replace outgoing AUC Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat, who served two terms. Additionally, Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar, the third candidate, finished last in the race.
The election was conducted in a closed session, where AU member states cast their ballots. Raila Odinga, backed by Kenya and President William Ruto, had expressed confidence in his campaign. In fact, his team claimed support from at least 21 countries. He took an early lead, garnering 20 votes in the first round, and then progressed through the second, third, fourth, and fifth rounds. However, he was ultimately eliminated in the sixth round, which paved the way for Youssouf’s victory.
Youssouf secured the required two-thirds majority, reflecting broad support across regional blocs. Moreover, his win underscores the AU’s commitment to regional balance and meritocracy, as outlined in its 2018 reforms. Kenya’s loss echoes its 2017 bid, when former Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed lost to Moussa Faki after seven rounds of voting. At that time, Mohamed garnered 16 votes in the first round against Faki’s 14, but Kenya struggled to secure support from its East African Community (EAC) neighbors, including Tanzania, Uganda, and Burundi.
This time, despite Raila’s strong campaign, Kenya faced similar challenges. For instance, President Ruto led diplomatic efforts to rally support. Nevertheless, the lack of unified backing from the EAC and other regional blocs proved decisive. On the other hand, Raila’s gracious acceptance of the outcome reflects his statesmanship and highlights his commitment to democratic principles.
Mahmoud Ali Youssouf’s election marks a new chapter for the African Union. Specifically, he will serve a four-year term, with the possibility of re-election for one additional term, totaling a maximum of eight years. Furthermore, the AUC chairperson plays a critical role in shaping Africa’s future. For example, Youssouf’s priorities will include advancing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), addressing regional conflicts, and driving institutional reforms. In addition, his leadership will influence the African Development Bank (AfDB) and transnational infrastructure projects, making the role geopolitically significant.
Raila Odinga’s bid, though unsuccessful, highlighted Kenya’s commitment to pan-Africanism. Backed by President Ruto, Raila campaigned extensively, accompanying the head of state on foreign trips to drum up support. Notably, his campaign emphasized unity, economic integration, and institutional reforms, which resonated with many across the continent. Despite the loss, Raila’s efforts underscored Kenya’s desire to play a leading role in continental affairs. Similarly, his campaign drew lessons from Kenya’s 2017 loss, seeking to avoid past mistakes by building broader alliances and leveraging Raila’s stature as a seasoned statesman.
Youssouf inherits a continent at a crossroads, facing numerous challenges, including climate change, economic disparities, and security threats. Therefore, his leadership will be critical in advancing the AU’s Agenda 2063, a blueprint for Africa’s transformation. Ultimately, the election outcome reflects the AU’s commitment to its founding principles, such as unity, solidarity, and collective action. As Youssouf takes the helm, the focus will be on his ability to unite member states and drive progress on key continental priorities.
