AUC Chair issues apology after spokesperson’s private jet photo triggers backlash

African Union Commission (AUC) Chair Mahamoud Ali Youssouf has issued a rare public mea culpa after a photograph of his spokesperson aboard a private jet ignited criticism across the continent, spotlighting sensitivities around leadership optics in Africa.

The image, posted Tuesday on X by spokesperson Nuur Shekh following the AUC delegation's trip to Angola for an infrastructure summit in Luanda, drew swift condemnation.

Many Africans denounced the post as emblematic of elite detachment at a time of economic hardship, insecurity and rising demands for accountability.

Responding via his usually inactive X account, Mahamoud clarified that the aircraft had been provided by Angolan President João Lourenço — who currently chairs the AU — to allow him to travel to a subsequent engagement immediately after the Luanda summit.

"Our Union has no resources to rent a special flight," he wrote.

"The picture of my spokesperson was not appropriate. I admit that."

The unusually forthright admission underscores growing scrutiny of continental institutions in an era of digital activism and heightened public awareness.

It also reflects the AU's delicate task of projecting relevance amid intensifying geopolitical competition in Africa and internal calls for reform.

The moment is particularly awkward for the organisation, which still depends heavily on funding from external partners such as the European Union.

Critics argued that the optics were "crass" and "tone-deaf", especially as Mr Youssouf secured the AUC chairmanship earlier this year after a tightly observed contest against Kenya's late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Other Topics To Read

• austerity measures
• AUC Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf
• AUC Chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf
• AUC Chair issues apology after spokesperson’s private jet photo triggers backlash
• Africa