IGAD Executive Secretary Applauds H.E. Mahamoud Ali Youssouf on His Election as AU Commission Leader

February 15, 2025 – Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – A significant update reverberates from the halls of African diplomacy. The esteemed Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), His Excellency Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, extends heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency Mahamoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti. The celebration marks his esteemed election as Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) for the 2025–2029 term.

This election could not have come at a more pivotal moment. The continent stands at a crossroads, with a Member State candidate poised to guide the African Union’s Commission forward, steering Africa’s collective vision of growth and unity. One might ask: what challenges will this new leadership address, and what course will it plot for Africa’s future?

Dr. Workneh wasted no time in reaffirming IGAD’s commitment to rally alongside the African Union under Mahamoud Ali Youssouf’s leadership. This partnership aims to foster peace, stability, and prosperity across both regional and continental landscapes. Reflecting on the election, Dr. Workneh remarked, “H.E. Mahamoud Ali Youssouf’s election signifies a profound trust and faith African Heads of State and Government have placed in him. His tenure begins at an essential juncture as we unite our efforts in realizing ‘The Africa We Want.’ I eagerly anticipate working hand in hand with H.E. Mahamoud Ali Youssouf to bolster regional stability and expedite Africa’s integration agenda.”

The 59-year-old was deemed an outside shot against veteran Kenyan politician Raila Odinga, but observers praised the career the diplomat’s low-key campaign to succeed Chadian Moussa Faki Mahamat and head the pan-African bloc.

The multilingual politician — who speaks Arabic, English and French — remains close to Djibouti’s leader Ismail Omar Guelleh.

Guelleh called his minister’s election “a proud moment for Djibouti and Africa,” in a message on X.

“His leadership will serve Africa with dedication and vision.”

Congratulations to @ymahmoudali on his election as Chairperson of the African Union Commission. A proud moment for Djibouti and Africa.

I extend my sincere gratitude to the Heads of State for their trust and support. His leadership will serve Africa with dedication and vision.

— Ismail Omar Guelleh (@IsmailOguelleh) February 15, 2025

Dr. Workneh wears another hat as the Chair of the Inter-Regional Economic Communities (RECs) Coordination Platform. In this capacity, he offers his unwavering support to Mahamoud Ali Youssouf. His commitment lies in bridging the African Union and the RECs, ensuring their ventures are harmonized and synchronized in their quest to surmount Africa’s challenges and seize its opportunities.

On a closing note, the winds of change blow across the continent, and as with every transformative journey, subtle nuances matter as much as the grand vision. What memories will accompany this chapter of African advancement? Perhaps the words of an old African proverb offer wisdom here: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Such are the moments where collaboration and unity promise to craft Africa’s future narratives.