Key moments in the African Union Commission elections – Sudan Tribune

Sudan Tribune
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Sudan Tribune
Plural news and views on Sudan
Newly elected Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssif poses with Malika Salma Haddadi of Algeria on Feb 15, 2025-1
February 16, 2025(ADDIS ABABA) – The election of the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson sparked intense political manoeuvring, last-minute alliances, and unexpected shifts in stance during the voting rounds held on Saturday at the continental summit.
Following their election, the newly appointed Chairperson, Mahmoud Youssif and his deputy, Malika Salma Haddadi, were sworn in before the General Assembly of African Heads of State and Government, which convened in a plenary session on Saturday.
Youssef is set to officially assume office as Chairperson of the African Union on March 15 for a four-year term, succeeding Moussa Faki of Chad, who has held the position for the past eight years.
After the results were announced, Djiboutian President Ismaïl Guelleh stated that his country extends a hand of cooperation to all Africans and all AU teams to strengthen unity and solidarity across the continent.
Meanwhile, newly elected Deputy Chairperson Malika Salma Haddadi emphasized in a press statement that her victory represents Algeria’s growing influence in African affairs, affirming that “Algeria is the heart of Africa.”
Observers anticipate a challenging tenure for Youssef, especially with escalating crises in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, alongside other pressing issues in a continent grappling with conflict and poverty.
Last-minute power shifts
Within the African Union, Algeria has criticised Egypt over what an Algerian diplomat described as an “unexpected shift in stance” during the elections for Deputy Chairperson.
Speaking to Sudan Tribune, the diplomat revealed that Egypt had previously pledged to support the Algerian candidate Malika Salma but later withdrew its backing and fielded its own candidate, Hanan Morsi, for the position.
The Egyptian delegation was visibly disappointed after Morsi’s defeat, as she failed to secure enough votes against her Algerian rival.
Conceding defeat
Kenyan candidate Raila Odinga conceded defeat to Djibouti’s Mahmoud Youssif, acknowledging that Kenya had aimed to achieve a diplomatic victory by securing the AU’s top position.
In his remarks after the election results were announced late Saturday, Odinga admitted disappointment, stating, “I am not happy with the outcome, but I will return to my country.”
Kenyan President William Ruto later remarked that elections shape the continent’s future, adding that while Kenya’s candidate lost, he remains grateful for the opportunity to lead Africa’s progress.
Djibouti’s Mahmoud Youssef staged a comeback victory after trailing in the first two rounds but ultimately secured 33 votes in the decisive final rounds, surpassing his Kenyan rival.
Several countries, including host nation Ethiopia, expressed confidence in the new AU Commission leadership.
In a statement seen by Sudan Tribune, the Ethiopian Foreign Ministry affirmed its commitment to fully supporting the new AU leaders throughout their tenure to advance the continent’s agenda.
The 38th African Union Summit, which opened last Saturday at AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, spotlighted ongoing conflicts in Sudan and the DRC, as well as a central theme for Africa’s future: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.”
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