Mogadishu, March 23, 2025 — In a visit that many anticipate will forge a deeper bond between nations, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the newly appointed Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, made his way to Mogadishu. His arrival on this sunny Saturday marks his inaugural visit to Somalia since taking on this prestigious role.

It was early February 2025 when Youssouf ascended to the AU’s chair, succeeding Chad’s esteemed Moussa Faki. Perhaps not coincidentally, Somalia played a crucial part in this transition, offering its unwavering support for Youssouf’s candidacy. It seemed more than just a political maneuver; it was a statement of enduring friendship and collaboration.

Somalia, initially, threw its hat into the ring by nominating Fawzia Yusuf Adam. However, as strategies evolved and alliances solidified, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud requested Adam to step aside in favor of Djibouti’s Youssouf. The politics of the Horn of Africa are intricate and layered, but at their core, they often revolve around regional solidarity and mutual goals.

Imagine stepping onto the tarmac of Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport, where Youssouf was welcomed with open arms. Somalia’s Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama, a robust figure in the political landscape, stood ready with an entourage of cabinet ministers and AU Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) officials, radiating an air of anticipation and hope for what this visit might herald.

As the day progresses, it’s expected that Youssouf will sit in high-powered discussions with President Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre. What thoughts must be racing through their minds? Here, in these conversations, lies the potential to craft new narratives, tackle the persistent menace of al-Shabaab, and foster fragile alliances among federal member states.

“Diplomacy is not just about policy; it’s about people,” Youssouf once expressed, capturing the essence of his work and his deep belief in the power of human connection.

Past roles as Djibouti’s long-serving foreign minister lend Youssouf a wealth of experience. His tenure has witnessed the ebbs and flows of regional challenges and triumphs. Yet, what makes his perspective unique? It might just be his personal investment in the Horn of Africa, a region woven into the fabric of his professional journey.

The expectations for Youssouf are colossal—a coordinated AU response to the region’s pressing challenges hangs in the balance. Will this charismatic leader, with his understated yet resolute demeanor, be able to galvanize efforts in the fight against entrenched conflicts?

To fellow leaders, this man’s visit is more than ceremonial. It is a signal of change, an olive branch tinged with the weight of hopeful futures. There was a lightness in the air, an acknowledgment that, perhaps, the tides of diplomatic tide are ready to shift towards more unified endeavors.