The recent African Union (AU) summit in Addis Ababa saw Mahmoud Ali Youssouf elected as the new head of the AU's executive commission, marking a significant shift with East African leadership. Youssouf, who has extensive diplomatic experience as Djibouti's foreign minister, won against seasoned politician Raila Odinga after a tough election process. His leadership comes at a time when Africa faces severe armed conflicts, highlighting the challenge of unifying the continent to address pressing issues. Moreover, Youssouf's leadership is viewed as critical for Djibouti's strategic geopolitical significance.
The competition was between a politician and a diplomat, and it was very tough. It went to the seventh round of voting.
If they are united in thought, they might be able to develop a common agenda, but it's a tall order.
Djibouti is a small but very critical state in this region. This is also the corridor for Asia, Europe and Africa trade routes.
Youssouf now faces the unenviable task of serving an African continent that is seeing as much armed conflict as it did in the post-Cold War era.
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