The African Union Commission elected Mahmoud Youssif as Chairperson and Malika Salma Haddadi as Deputy Chairperson during a summit on February 16, 2025. The elections were marked by intense political maneuvering and last-minute alliances, with Algeria criticizing Egypt for withdrawing support from its candidate. Youssif’s upcoming term is anticipated to face significant challenges from ongoing regional crises.
On February 16, 2025, during a significant continental summit in Addis Ababa, the African Union Commission (AUC) held elections for its Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson. Mahmoud Youssif and Malika Salma Haddadi emerged as the newly elected officials, emphasizing a shift in Africa’s political leadership. Youssif is scheduled to officially assume his four-year term as Chairperson on March 15, succeeding Chad’s Moussa Faki, who served for eight years.
Following the election results, Djiboutian President Ismaïl Guelleh expressed his nation’s commitment to unity and collaboration among African nations and AU teams. Deputy Chairperson Haddadi highlighted Algeria’s increasing influence on the African stage, asserting that “Algeria is the heart of Africa”. Analysts predict a formidable challenge ahead for Youssif, particularly in light of escalating issues in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, among other regional crises.
The elections also revealed unexpected last-minute political maneuvering, particularly involving Algeria and Egypt. An Algerian diplomat criticized Egypt for its sudden withdrawal of support for Algerian candidate Haddadi, endorsing instead Hanan Morsi. Morsi’s defeat disappointed the Egyptian delegation, who had hoped for an advantageous outcome for their candidate.
Kenyan candidate Raila Odinga acknowledged defeat following the election, expressing disappointment over the results. He stated, “I am not happy with the outcome, but I will return to my country.” Kenyan President William Ruto remarked on the importance of elections in shaping Africa’s future while appreciating the opportunity for Kenya to engage in continental leadership.
Youssif’s comeback victory came as he overcame a trailing position after two rounds, ultimately securing 33 votes to surpass Odinga in the final tally. Several nations, including Ethiopia, reaffirmed their confidence in the new leadership, with Ethiopia’s Foreign Ministry promising full support for the AU Commission.
The ongoing 38th African Union Summit, which commenced at AU headquarters, also underscored pressing issues, including conflicts in Sudan and the DRC, in addition to the summit’s primary theme, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.”
The recent elections for the African Union Commission mark a pivotal moment in the continent’s leadership dynamics, with Mahmoud Youssif and Malika Salma Haddadi taking key positions. Their victory illustrates Algeria’s rising influence amidst a backdrop of regional challenges. The shifting political alliances highlight the complexity of intra-African relations, while the summit’s overarching themes reflect significant issues facing the continent as a whole.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
