Mahamoud Ali Youssouf is a seasoned Djiboutian diplomat who has been serving as the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation since 2005. Born on September 2, 1965, in Djibouti City, he pursued higher education in business management at the University of Liverpool, obtaining his master’s degree in 1990. Throughout his career, Youssouf has been instrumental in shaping Djibouti’s foreign policy and has played a pivotal role in regional diplomacy.
In April 2024, Djibouti nominated Youssouf for the position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC). He emphasized the importance of African-led solutions to security challenges and advocated for a more proactive Peace and Security Council. On February 15, 2025, after seven rounds of voting, Youssouf was elected as the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, succeeding Moussa Faki. His election was seen as a testament to his diplomatic acumen and commitment to addressing the continent’s pressing issues.
Youssouf is multilingual, fluent in Afar, Somali, Arabic, English, and French, which has undoubtedly enhanced his effectiveness in international diplomacy. His tenure as the AUC Chairperson is anticipated to bring a renewed focus on African unity and self-reliance in tackling continental challenges.
